Remember the days your mum would nag at you and say “have you brushed your teeth?” and you’d brush her off with “yes, yes, whatever”… Something so little is a part of our everyday lives and is taken for granted – but sadly it is a special treat and gift for those living in a third world country.
During my time in Kenya I was privileged and honoured to be able to not only act as a nurse but also act to prevent illness by educating kids about oral hygiene. I visited a few different schools in Kenya to teach kids about the “simple” task of brushing their teeth, we not only provided the kids with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but also enforced the importance of brushing their teeth.
It was such an enlightening and heart-warming experience to see up to 50 kids in the one class room so attentive and well behaved after we had completely interrupted their day – to teach them about how to brush their teeth.
When it came time to hand out the toothbrushes and toothpaste you’d think we were handing out gold. They all patiently waited in line, however it broke my heart when some of the kids missed out as we could sadly not provide everyone with such a small thing – to think that one toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste works out to be the equivalent of $0.50!
In Australia when you go to pick out a toothbrush you have the choice of what firmness you want, what colour, what brand, etc. In a third world country such as Kenya, they are using coal and leafs to brush their teeth – it is astonishing and amazing to me how something so little was such a big deal.
So the next time you go to brush your teeth, take a moment and remember how lucky and privileged you are to have a clean toothbrush, some toothpaste and clean water to use. As for many millions of people around the world the “simple” act of brushing your teeth is a treat and not so simple.