Cape Town - Hundreds of thousands of toothbrushes are to be donated to schools across the country ahead of World Oral Health Day on Sunday.
The Athlone School for the Blind was among the beneficiaries yesterday of a donation of toothbrushes and toothpaste by health-care retailer Clicks, in association with the Clicks Helping Hand Trust and toothpaste brand Aquafresh.
The total donation of 400 000 toothbrushes to 263 schools nationwide is made possible by Aquafresh, Colgate and Oral-B.
The Athlone School for the Blind has 305 pupils, some of whom are partially sighted and others completely blind. The school includeds an early childhood development centre, a primary school, a high school and a severe intellectual disability department.
Deputy principal Gail Williams said each of the school’ pupils will be given a donation pack.
“It will assist us greatly because our learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and the parents can barely provide for their most essential needs, so this will be of great help to us.
“It is important for the children to practise good oral hygiene to keep their teeth and gums healthy, because with good oral hygiene the teeth will be clean and the mouth will always have a clean and sweet odour and we can also prevent diseases that are related to dental care.”
World Oral Health Day is observed annually on March 20. This year’s theme is: "Look after your oral health for your happiness and wellbeing.”