A brand new theatre programme is helping to get kids in Illinois involved in oral hygiene.
The Delta Dental clinic is taking the shows into schools to educate children about the importance of looking after their teeth and the dangers associated with poor oral health. The shows are free for kids and will be travelling around elementary schools in the Edwardsville area for the next few days.
The show, which is called ‘Land of Smiles’ features child-friendly action hero, Tooth Wizard and charts his journey as he fights against his arch-enemy, the evil PlaqueMan. Kids are encouraged to interact with the characters and learn from the valuable lessons and morals demonstrated throughout the show.
Representatives of Delta Dental have claimed that the show helps to bring home the message of how important dental health is, as they believe many parents and their children are unaware of the health dangers associated with poor standards of oral health. The show, which is also open to teachers and parents, helps to get children talking and thinking about their teeth and will hopefully encourage them to look after them properly in the future. The Land of Smiles show teaches children how to fight plaque, clean their teeth properly and how to floss; the characters also discuss healthy foods and visiting the dentist.
The show could make a real difference to kids in Illinois, where tooth decay is one of the most common childhood illnesses; a massive 55 percent of children in third grade have suffered from tooth decay, according to a study conducted by the Department of Public Health. Now that children have knowledge and information about dental health, it is hoped they will take the time and make the effort to look after their teeth and gums; this will improve their dental health in the future and eradicate the need for painful, complex treatments further down the line.
