Buy a Toothbrush, Change a Life

It’s one of the first, most basic lessons we teach our children; how to brush your teeth and wash your hands. Unfortunately millions of children across South Africa don’t have access to a toothbrush, toothpaste or soap. The Dental Wellness Trust has conducted research indicating that 80% of children in townships suffer from tooth decay. Understandably this leads to a lot of missed school due to toothache while germs spread through a lack of soap and knowledge.

The Dental Wellness Trust; changing the world one molar at a time

The Dental Wellness Trust is a London-based charity founded and run by dentist Dr Linda Greenwall in 2011. The Trust aims to preserve and protect the dental wellness of those in need by offering oral health education programmes for children and the elderly – two of the most at risk groups when it comes to dental issues. Originally from Cape Town Dr Greenwall still feels very connected to the area and in 2013 began the LiveSmart project in three schools in Khayelitsha, with the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers.

The team found that the majority of children in townships suffer from tooth decay and that the most common cause of school absenteeism is toothache.  Many of these kids have never owned a toothbrush, or share one with their entire family. To make matters worse only two dentists serve the entire 1 million strong Khayelitsha community.

Today the LiveSmart project shows carers how to teach the children how to brush their teeth, wash their hands and give them tips on healthy eating – steps that teachers say have done a lot to improve the kids’ self esteem and general health.

Join with Leapfrog and make a difference

“At Leapfrog we’re passionate about making a difference in our communities and we’re delighted to partner with the Dental Wellness Trust by collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste from around the country – our goal being 1 million toothbrushes”, enthuses Bruce Swain, MD of Leapfrog Property Group. “We’ll be placing containers at all of our offices as well as hosting projects at nearby schools, making it easy for the public to participate in a truly worthwhile cause – after all it’s so easy to buy an extra toothbrush that will make a world of difference to a child in need.”

Get involved by dropping off toothbrushes and toothpaste at your nearest Leapfrog branch, or visit us at www.leapfrog.co.za