More than 100 children of the CEN-Cinai in San Rafael Abajo, Desamparados, will experience the dental hygiene marathon called Lavatón 2017.
The idea behind this marathon is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, in the framework of the World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated every March 20th.
But, why this particular date? Children should have twenty baby teeth, whereas adults should have 32 dental pieces and senior citizens must have at least 20 natural teeth to be considered healthy. Numerically, this translates to 3/20. Hence, the celebration was set for March 20th.
The College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica launched a campaign called “Boca Sabia y Sana toda la vida” (wise and healthy mouth your entire life) calling for a strengthening of dental hygiene and protocols at home and in educational centers.
The campaign aims to encourage people to take control of their oral health, from childhood. In fact, the Ministry of Education was asked to replicate the Lavatón in all the schools of the country, so that on Monday a period is defined for students to be able to brush their teeth.
We are betting on the prevention of oral diseases, and this can be achieved if we are aware of the impact of its importance to enjoy comprehensive health,”
said Miguel Aguilar, director of the College.