Dental Hygiene in Ecuador - 432 Children Served on the First Day

After several rejections from non-profits and people who didn't see the value in my program, I finally got someone who wanted to collaborate. A wonderful Ecuadorian named Gérman (who coincidentally did live in Germany), set me up with a school of roughly 400 children. Ecuador has a school system somewhat similar to the US. Children are separated by grade and age. However, this project would be a challenge because children from 4 years to 13 would be in attendance. How would I hold their attention!? The answer lied in Alka-Seltzer, green food dye and a balloon. Curious yet?

The program I created is simple. It teaches children: Why, when, how, and what happens if you don't brush. It is highly interactive, engaging, and of course FUN! I basically guide children to give me the correct answers to all the relevant questions. This leaves a bigger impression than me just droning on about a toothbrush.

Plaque doesn't destroy your teeth in one day, so how do you teach the abstract concept of decay to children? Enter the digestif, food dye and latex. The demonstration is simple. I fill two clear cups with water and drops of bright green food dye. You can see the irridescent crystal liquid shimmering in the sunshine. This catches their attention. I put these down and pull out a fresh Alka-Seltzer tablet. I ask them "what it is"...."No its not gum or candy. Obviously this is a TOOTH!" Better yet, it is your tooth! I then pull out another tablet and a bright yellow balloon. "What is this?" "You think this is a balloon?" "This is no ordinary balloon. This is the protection your teeth get from brushing them!"

By this time the kids are excited! I ask them what the green liquid is. "No, its not juice or soda." It is dangerous BACTERIA! How scary!

In dramatic fashion I drop both the bare Alka-Seltzer tablet into one glass and the balloon covered tablet into the other. I walk through the crowd and exclaim that the poor, unprotected tooth is dying. It is going to be dead because nobody has brushed it. The kids rush me and nearly knock me over for a look at the sad, dissolving tooth. They cant believe that it is dying! How sad!

I tell them that this will be their teeth if they don't brush. Finally the "tooth" is gone and all we have left is dirty-looking liquid. How terrible! To make the next point, I pull out a knife (okay it was really only a fork, because I couldn't get a knife...Oh the challenges of preparedness). With all the flare of a circus performer I stab into the balloon and rip the fresh, clean, unblemished Alka-Seltzer tablet out the latex covering. Lo and behold, it is completely intact. That monstrous bacteria could even touch it because it was being brush three times EVERYDAY by its loving owner. How wonderful!!

The kids start screaming with joyous elation They are cheering for the tooth! I finally reign them back in after about 20 high fives and another 50 hugs.

We do a quick recap on the basics of brushing and then they all get a toothbrush. One of my favorite parts is lining the kids up and having them come see me one by one to receive a toothbrush and a brief moment of eye contact that lets them know someone cares about their wellbeing. I always think the connection will stay there, but after about the tenth kid every one of them gives me the biggest hug you could imagine. If this doesn't melt your heart, nothing will. This is unabashed appreciation and love incarnate.

Finally the program ends, the kids go back to classes and the teachers spend time talking with me. In return for their expressions of thanks, I express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to come to their school and to be trusted to work with the children. Their children are precious treasures and I want to do everything possible to protect them.

One teacher leaves me with a parting idea. "It isn't the information or the toothbrush that matters. It is the emotional connection with the kids that they will remember." I couldn't agree more.

Thank you to everyone who has made this project possible. As they say in Ecuador "Dios le pagué." Religious or not. Take it as a good thing.

Okay, guys, this is how you brush. Got it?