Toothpaste, a toothbrush, and running water in the house are commonly found around the bathroom sink of children raised by families fortunate enough to afford them. But these three essentials are often taken for granted. The children we serve in Jamaica and St. Lucia lack these basic necessities for dental health.
According to the Campaign for Dental Health, “Children living in poverty have about five times more untreated dental decay than children from higher income families.”
The Campaign for Dental Health also states that inadequate oral health can affect children’s “ability to eat, speak, and learn, further cementing social inequities already stacked against this vulnerable population.” Tooth decay is the number one leading health problem in the world, and it’s completely preventable.
At Great Shape! Inc., we are proud to serve this cause through our 1000 Smiles and Sealant projects. Serving the communities of Jamaica and St. Lucia, 1000 Smiles is dedicated to providing exceptional and free dental care and dental hygiene education, through the help of volunteers, the Sandals Foundation and Ministries of Health.
Help promote dental care locally and around the world by volunteering with our Great Shape! Inc. family TODAY!