Resumption of Postponed Projects Due to COVID-19 Including Distribution of 'Eetunteun School', 'Smart Chika Life', and 'Fluoride Mouthwash'... Targeting Infants, Children, and Socially Vulnerable Groups to Promote Proper Dental Care Habits
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) is transitioning its visiting oral health project to a non-face-to-face format.
This project is a dental health program that was postponed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). As it became difficult to conduct experiential classes by visiting schools, kindergartens, childcare, and welfare facilities due to COVID-19, the program was changed to a method that allows individuals to manage their teeth on their own at home.
The non-face-to-face project to minimize the gap in oral education consists of three main parts. "Iteunteun School" aims to help school-age children, who have a high incidence of cavities, manage their oral health independently. The district plans to provide educational videos and toothbrush sets to elementary and middle schools in the area to help form proper oral hygiene habits and learn tooth care methods.
The non-face-to-face program for infants and toddlers, "Seulgiroun Chika Saenghwal," was newly introduced at daycare centers and kindergartens. These facilities conducted their own education using the dental health kits recently provided by the district (▲ Oral Health OX Quiz ▲ Toothbrushing Promise Chart ▲ Tooth-friendly Food Stickers) and audiovisual materials.
Parents and children are expected to brush their teeth every night before bed at home for one month as taught, then submit the promise chart to the respective facility. The district plans to increase participation by providing toothbrushing storybooks and functional toothpaste to institutions with high promise fulfillment rates.
Additionally, the district distributes fluoride mouth rinse to manage dental health for socially vulnerable groups. Notices were also sent to users of elderly and disabled facilities and special schools. Fluoride mouth rinse will be distributed to applicants, and hygiene products will be provided if used more than twice.
Mayor Park Kyum-soo of Gangbuk-gu said, "To reduce the incidence of cavities, proper toothbrushing habits and behavioral changes must be established from an early age," adding, "We will continue to promote various programs tailored to children and vulnerable groups to help them practice oral health care."
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