It was all smiles yesterday as children across the Island got brushing on the final day of Dental Health Month, which this year also marked the 30th anniversary of the Preventive Dental Programme with the theme this year of "Brush, Don't Rush".

To mark the event S1 and S2 students at the Berkeley Institute took part in the 'Great Brush Off' by emphasising the theme '2 for 2', which means to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time.

The students were all given toothbrushes and toothpaste and brushed their teeth during their first period of the day.

Senior Dental Officer for the Department of Health, Dr. Celia Nzabalinda, instructed on the proper way to brush their teeth.

There was a DVD presented to each student entitled 'Brush Don't Rush' showing how to brush and floss and informing about common dental diseases such as gingivitis – inflammation of the gums – periodontal gum disease and dental decay.

"These diseases are among the most prevalent infections in the world, and can be passed from person to person. This is particularly the case in families, if a mother has dental decay, periodontal disease or gingivitis, the bacteria can be in her blood which will be passed on to her children and cause generational problems," said Dr. Nzabalinda.

"People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease, because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk."

She added that proper brushing after meals, flossing and limiting sugar intake can reduce oral infections. A good way to limit sugar is to avoid snacks between meals. If you feel the need to snack, then choose a healthy snack such as carrots, she said.

The Minister of Health, Nelson Bascome also spoke on the issue in the House.

"Those in our population who have benefited from this programme can look forward to keeping their teeth a lot longer than their predecessors," he said.

For further information contact the Department of Health's Oral Health Section at 278-4900.