|
|
|
Saving Young Smiles in Davao DAVAO CITY — The gym of Bayabas Elementary School echoed with sounds of laughter. Seated in their wooden armchairs, the excited kids wouldn’t keep quiet and steady. Everybody was talking. Eager and thrilled, they couldn’t wait to try it.
Suddenly, the man in front called their attention. It’s time to begin their lesson in brushing their teeth. Up and down, up and down. The strokes were easy, and the man in front made it look easier. Soon everyone followed.
The children were happy to get new toothbrushes. But more than that, they were delighted to learn how to brush the right way. Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines’ (OB) Mobile Dental Clinic was there to save their happy and beautiful smiles.
Not Once, Not Twice
Best chums Stephanie and Marian giggled as they mimicked each other, pretending to brush. They remembered the lessons they learned. Up and down, up and down. Thanks to Doc Jun Punzalan who willingly taught them the proper way of brushing.
“We have to teach these kids how to take care of their teeth. It’s for their benefit and for their future as well. It would be better for them to be responsible with their teeth while they are still young,” said Doc Jun, OB Davao’s staff dentist.
“Before, I only brush my teeth twice a day, before I go to school and before I go to bed. Today I learned that I should brush thrice a day,” Stephanie said.
“Sometimes I only brush once. I thought that’s okay as long as I brush my teeth in the evening,” she added.
Marian used to do the same. Both of them are fond of eating sweets, but when it comes to brushing their teeth, they can always make a good excuse not to do it.
“Most of the time, I feel so lazy to brush my teeth, especially at night when I’m already so sleepy after doing my homework. I want to go to bed immediately,” Marian said shyly. “My mother would have to scold me first, and I have to drag myself before I can brush.”
When Doc Jun explained what could happen if they don’t brush properly, the two friends promised they would start being responsible of their teeth’s condition.
“I don’t want to lose my teeth, because if that happens, I won’t be able to smile and I won’t look pretty at all. Doc Jun said if we lose our teeth then we would wear false teeth like Lola and Lolo. And I don’t want that to happen,” a determined Stephanie explained.
“Doc Jun is very kind to teach us more about brushing and the importance of taking care of our teeth. And we’re so glad to get these new toothbrushes. Thanks to OB for their kindness to us,” Marian added.
Of Toothaches and Tooth Decays
Eleven-year-old Jared suffered from tooth decay. When his mother heard that OB’s Mobile Dental Clinic came to their place, they hurriedly went to have his tooth examined. The dentist said Jared’s teeth had to be pulled out or else his other teeth would also be affected by the decay.
Jared did not think twice. His toothache had gotten worse and all he wanted was to be spared from further agony. After his tooth extraction, there was a sign of great relief on Jared’s face, as well as on his mother’s.
“The extraction was painful but I know it’s only temporary. I am so thankful because I was given this service free of charge. My mom doesn’t have money to bring me to a dentist. She says it’s expensive,” Jared said.
“I am very happy because I no longer have to drink pain relievers every now and then. My bad tooth is gone. My mom said this opportunity doesn’t come too often. We really are grateful OB came here to check on our teeth,” he added.
Jared was also given a new toothbrush. As he went home, the pain that he once showed was no longer evident. The tears caused by his aching tooth were no longer there.
More than Just a Toothbrush
Operation Blessing hopes to impart proper dental care to 3,500 children in Davao City through the Mobile Dental Clinic. This project is done in cooperation with the Department of Education and with help from volunteer dentists.
Aside from distributing free toothbrushes, services such as tooth extraction, application of fluoride and sealants, and lectures on dental health are also given free of charge.
OB was able to start the Mobile Dental Clinic in Toril district, and the work has only just begun. The smiles of these children in Davao are evidence that OB’s efforts to help them preserve their beautiful beams are not wasted.
The Mobile Dental Clinic is just one of the many programs of Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Christian Broadcasting Network Asia.
Through fervent support from its partners, OB uplifts the poorest of the poor with free healthcare services, disaster relief, livelihood assistance, community transformation, water and sanitation programs, and children’s outreaches.
Operation Blessing Davao’s office is located at 370 3rd Street corner 5th Street, Ecoland Phase I, Matina, Davao City, with telephone number (082) 297-3080. |
 |
|
|
CBN
ASIA IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are
you seeking answers in life? Are
you hurting? Click here to find
your way to have peace with God.
If
you are facing a difficult situation,
e-mail us your prayer request to
prayer@cbnasia.org.
Or you can call CBN Asia's Counseling
Center at 810-7717 or 1-800-1-888-8700
(toll free for provincial calls)
we're available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. A caring friend
will be there to pray with you in
your time of need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Type:
700CLUB [space] YOURNAME [space] MESSAGE |
|
Send
to: 2299 for Globe, Smart, Talk'n Text
and Touchmobile subscribers
|
|
|
