Children’s Oral Health Through Play And Joy

Tooth decay is a widespread issue in children, affecting their health, academic performance, and confidence. Many moderate-risk countries, including Iran, struggle with low health budgets, high dental costs, and limited insurance coverage. Traditional oral health education often fails to engage children effectively. Studies indicate that children learn best through play, making interactive education a promising approach to improving oral hygiene habits. The OOK Park in Los Angeles incorporates dental education through fun activities. Children receive a guided dental check-up and fluoride treatment while attending interactive oral health workshops with their parents. Inspired by this model, our proposed project aims to create an educational park where children learn brushing, flossing, fluoride therapy, and healthy nutrition through engaging games and competitions. Game-based learning has been shown to significantly improve knowledge retention and behavioral change in children. Unlike conventional methods, interactive activities create a lasting impact on oral hygiene habits. Collaboration between international health organizations (WHO, FDI), local governments, and private sectors can provide financial support and sustainability. Additionally, this project can generate employment opportunities and economic benefits. Integrating oral health education with play can revolutionize preventive dentistry for children. This approach not only reduces tooth decay rates but also fosters lifelong healthy habits. With proper implementation and funding, this model can be expanded to other regions, improving public health outcomes on a larger scale.