Songpa-gu Operates 'Children's Toothbrushing Class' for Prospective Elementary Students

Dental Care Education for 500 Children Aged 6

The scene from the children's tooth brushing class held last April. Provided by Songpa District Office.

Songpa-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced on the 20th that it will operate the 'Children's Toothbrushing Class' for about 500 children preparing to enter school next year until November this year. Songpa-gu has the largest population of 6-year-olds among Seoul's autonomous districts, with 4,749 children, and has been running the 'Children's Toothbrushing Class' since last month.

The 'Children's Toothbrushing Class,' which the district has operated since 2010 to encourage toothbrushing habits before school, was briefly suspended during the COVID-19 period when it was difficult to remove masks but resumed last year. This program targets children from daycare centers and kindergartens in the Geoyeo and Macheon areas who applied in advance, as well as children from selected local children's centers.

The children attend theoretical classes on the functions of teeth, causes and prevention of cavities through audiovisual media and practice toothbrushing one-on-one. During practice, plaque is observed by applying a disclosing agent, and children visually identify areas that are difficult to brush, helping them personally realize the importance of proper toothbrushing.

In addition, to foster healthy lifestyle habits early, the district has linked various classes per session, including sugar reduction and nutrition education, and health experience classes. Professionals such as dental hygienists and nutritionists provide education not only on toothbrushing but also on proper eating habits, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, and prevention of exercise-related disorders.

The classes are held a total of 22 times at the Songpa-gu Health Center (5 Yangsan-ro) and the respective local children's centers and operate by advance reservation. For more detailed information such as the education schedule, inquiries can be made to the district health center.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "Songpa-gu is a young and vibrant city with the highest number of births and working-age population in Seoul, so 'early health education' is more important than anything else," and added, "I hope this education will be an opportunity for growing children to lay the foundation for lifelong health."