May, 2015

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Dental Hygiene Workshop at the Ludoteca

Objective
For the children at the Save the Children Ludoteca, to learn about dental hygiene and its importance.
With the correct information and supplies, the children will be able to practice and continue good
dental health routines.
Summary
On the 28th of May, a dentist from a local dental hospital (COE) came to the Ludoteca. He gave a
presentation to the kids on dental hygiene, and facts about the mouth. The kids were then able to
practice the correct method for keeping a clean mouth, under the supervision of the dentist and GVI
staff. GVI is focused on having the kids clean their teeth after lunch every day, and hopes that COE will
continue to support the Ludoteca by returning every few weeks to conduct a checkup.
Report
GVIs mission is to build a global network of people motivated by their passion for positive change.
We are happy to announce, that GVI has created a connection between the Save the Children
Ludoteca in Playa Del Carmen and Centro Odontologico Especializado (COE)(Specialized Dental
Center). GVI reached out to COE due to the need to raise the dental oral hygiene of the kids that go
to the ludoteca, as many are already developing dental problems due to the lack of proper dental
care.
On the 28th of May, a doctor from COE
came to give a presentation to the kids of
the Save the Children Ludoteca Centre.
Dr. Mauricio Mena Avila, addressed 18
kids, ranging from the ages of 4 to 12, and
explained to them what happens inside
their mouths, in terms of their teeth,
gums and their tongue. He went onto to
explain the future oral problems people
have when they do not practice correct
dental hygiene, such as cavities and
infections. He then described the areas
that need to be cleaned, not just the
teeth, but the tongue and gums as well.
The kids learnt that they should brush
their teeth after every meal, and Dr. Avila
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Fig. 1: Dr. Avila teaching the kids about dental hygiene

recommended that they carry a toothbrush with them. He recommended this so that the kids can
clean their teeth no matter where they are, and that if they dont have a toothbrush with them, they
should at least wash their mouth with water.

Fig. 2: A GVI volunteer handing out the toothbrushes

months.

After the presentation, the kids got

given a toothbrush, a toothbrush
protector and toothpaste. They then
went outside and under the
supervision of Dr. Avila and GVI
volunteers practiced cleaning their
teeth in the correct way. The kids
were keen to participate during the
presentation and very enthusiastic in
the practicing of cleaning their teeth.
Dr. Avila and Centro Odontologico
Especializado have decided to create a
partnership with the ludoteca, to
increase the oral hygiene of the kids
that go there. Dr. Avila already plans
to return to the ludoteca in 10 days to
hold a checkup for the kids, as well as
give more presentations every 3

Later in the day, the kids had lunch, and the GVI volunteers organized the kids to grab their
toothbrushes and toothpaste and clean their teeth. GVI has already taught the kids to wash their
hands properly daily before eating, and hope to teach the kids to clean their teeth every day after
lunch. By compelling the kids to wash their
hands and clean their teeth every day at the
Ludoteca, this helps the healthy hygiene
practices to become habits for the kids. GVI
believes that this will greatly help the kids in the
future with their health and hygiene, and allow
them to also educate the people around them on
the correct practices.
GVI staff and volunteers here in Mexico are
excited for the next steps in the improvement of
health and wellbeing of the local kids at the
ludoteca. We hope to create more partnerships
for the ludoteca, implement more health
education and create healthy and hygienic habits
for the kids.

Fig. 3: Kids at the Ludoteca practice cleaning

their teeth

For more information on the projects in Mexico please visit:

http://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/volunteer-childcare-projects-mexico

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