According to the World Health Organisation, 60-90% of school children, and almost 100% of adults worldwide, have dental cavities. These statistics are highest amongst poor, disadvantaged and rural communities who are unaware of how to prevent these diseases. This is turn, affects quality of life, with many unable to afford or access treatment. However, tooth decay is prevalent amongst all communities, it is simply worse in areas of higher social deprivation.
In the Western Cape, 70% of children under the age of 6 have at least one decayed tooth, whilst 85% of children aged between 12 and 15, have the same problem.
F0unded in 2011 by Dr Linda Greenwall MBE, the Dental Wellness Foundation has been largely operational in the townships of Cape Town – caring for the oral health of many children.
TODAY over 30,000 children are receiving supervised toothbrushing – but there is more work to be done, not only in the Townships but in all communities.
Whilst working in the Townships is important, the Dental Wellness Foundation also has a role to play in many other schools located in different areas. Oral health education is important for all children. We know that with the right education, and daily supervised toothbrushing programmes we can make a difference – leaving no child behind.
