Nigeria Shatters World Record in Tooth Brushing

Do you have a minute?

That’s what promoters of the Lagos Tooth Brushing Challenge Project asked thousands of students in about 600 public secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. The students’ affirmative responses are landing them in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Tooth Brushing World Record

In an effort to build positive oral health behaviours among young people and use them to influence a change in older people, the Lagos State Government worked in tandem with various sponsors to bring about this monumental tooth brushing challenge.

On July 4th, 2013, some 300,000 participating students found within 326 different locations throughout Lagos State united to attract the attention of the world. From 2:15 p.m. to 2:16 p.m. all 300,000 students brushed their teeth simultaneously for the full minute, smashing the previously held record set in 2007 when 117,000 performed the same feat in India.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina commended the students for being part of this exercise in awareness, describing it as historic for the generation. He added the reminder to pay greater attention to their oral health, which would impact their general well-being.

Kids and Brushing Teeth

Do you find it a challenge to ensure your children maintain a good brushing habit? If you do, you are not alone. Children generally are more concerned with having fun than about preventing cavities. What can you do to encourage them to keep their smile happy and healthy? By making oral health fun!

• Develop teeth brushing into a game you participate in with your child. Post a chart with a check-off box representing each brushing occasion. After accumulating a specified number of “checks,” reward them in a way that will keep them motivated to continue brushing regularly.
• Try using an ADA approved toothpaste that is geared towards children. A toothpaste associated with your child’s favorite cartoon or that has a fun flavor can help make teeth brushing that much more enjoyable.
• Children love to copy what mom and dad do. Explain to your child the reason why brushing is so important and set a good example for your children by brushing your teeth when they will subconsciously observe it.
• Promote good oral health by regularly scheduling visits to the dentist for you and your children.

Although it’s unlikely your kids will ever participate in a tooth brushing challenge to the extent of the one in Nigeria, the message of awareness remains vital. With diligent brushing, flossing, and regularly scheduled visits to the dentist, you and your family can boast dazzling, healthy smiles that will have you feeling worthy of joining the record books.

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Post a comment to show your support for Lagos! What do you do to make brushing teeth fun for your kids?