Can Brush Day & Night be replicated in your country? A focus on the methodology and its impact
Oral diseases affect half of the world’s population (3.58 billion people) with dental caries (tooth decay) in permanent teeth being the most prevalent condition. Globally, it is estimated that 2.4 billion people suffer from caries of permanent teeth and, worryingly, 486 million children suffer from caries of primary teeth. The Brush Day and Night (BDN) project therefore, aims to help lessen some of this burden through its 21-day programme.
The BDN 21-day programme teaches children and adults about the benefits of good oral hygiene and shows them how to brush their teeth twice-daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Results from 7,991 children in 10 countries showed a 25% improvement in twice-daily brushing after 21 days with further improvement seen when the programme was repeated after 6–12 months.
The full study was published in a supplement of FDI’s International Dental Journal. To support this publication, a new brochure was released today, which aims to put a focus on the methodology and key results so that the impact of the programme is immediately apparent and hopefully inspires people to replicate such school programmes.
The brochure, titled Brush Day & Night: 12 Years of Improving Oral Health Worldwide, features an infographic highlighting key facts and statistics. Phase III ran from 2014–2016 and reached over 4 million children and parents through World Oral Health Day activities and 21-day oral health education programmes in schools. The programmes were deemed efficient, sustainable, and most effective for children between the ages of 7–9 years.
The brochure offers a snapshot of a successful FDI and industry partner collaboration to improve oral health outcomes. It may be used as supporting material for National Dental Associations and dentists alike to promote future educational programmes and wider oral health improvement programmes in their respective country contexts.
About Brush Day & Night
BDN advocates twice-daily toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste as one of the most important habits for good oral health and general health. BDN also encourages children to become community advocates and spread the message of good oral health to their families and friends. BDN has reached over 40 countries through a long-standing partnership between FDI and Unilever.
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The Brush Day & Night brochure includes the executive summary of the International Dental Journal supplement and an infographic, illustrating key facts about the methodology of the programme and the positive results of Phase III, which ran from 2014 to 2016, reaching over 4 million children and parents through 21-day oral health education programmes in schools.
Brush Day & Night: 12 years of improving oral health worldwide
Brush Day & Night teaches children and adults about the benefits of good oral hygiene and teaches them to brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
