Tooth Brushing Program

Many Filipinos in rural areas do not brush their teeth. This may be due to poverty, lack of water, or mere ignorance. After we saw the alarming state of the teeth amongst the children who were treated at our Dental Missions, we realized that something had to be done about this problem. We were introduced to Bella Monse, a German dentist who devoted her energies to developing a tooth-brushing program that is now in the process of being implemented throughout the Philippines.

Through Bella Monse’s guidance, we started the tooth-brushing program in 2004 at 4 elementary schools and 6 kindergartens in Mandaue City. In 2007 the tooth-brushing program was implemented in several kindergartens and primary schools in Mandaue City. The results were fantastic. As a Danish dentist who helped us evaluate the program said: “The teeth of these children are as good as the teeth of Danish children.”

We were invited to a seminar with the initiators behind the Fit for School program. The goal is to implement basic hygiene guidelines in public schools and institutions throughout the Philippines. We are committed to do our part in the Cebu area through giving instructions in the schools that are part of the program which includes: de-worming twice yearly, daily hand washing with soap, and tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Through daily tooth brushing and hand washing, children learn hygiene routines that are essential in the prevention of basic health problems.

Program cost: Approximately 30 pesos per child per year for toothpaste, toothbrush and hand-soap.(The de-worming pills are supplied by the department of health.) In addition is the cost of shipping and monitoring which amounts to approximately 4.500 pesos per school per year. Contact us for more details if you are interested in sponsoring a school.