The fourth national oral epidemiological survey completed in 2016 shows that in China, the prevalence of children’s dental caries is very high: On average, for every 10 5-year-old children, about eight have dental caries. Regarding the average number of caries, each child has four. In fact, it is not difficult to keep our teeth healthy. We ourselves are the best dentists. Cartoon books are currently the preferred reading materials for children in developed countries. It is internationally recognized that "cartoon books are the most suitable reading materials for children." Through cartoon books, children can obtain knowledge and methods of protecting dental health, which can effectively help children develop good habits of caring for their teeth.
In September, 2019, the publication of the Panda Dentist series of stomatology popular cartoon books initiated by Sichuan International Medical Exchange & Promotion Association (SCIMEA) and co-edited by six experts from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University was officially launched, and debuted at the Tianfu Book Fair in the same year.
On June 1, 2020, Panda Dentists series stomatology themed pictures books were officially published. On the Children’s Day, in order to enhance the oral health awareness of the general population and emphasize children's oral care, SCIMEA and West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University launched an online Panda Dentist publishing and marketing program for children oral health popular science. Yang Zheng, chief physician of West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Yin Wei, deputy chief physician of West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, and Zhong Yisi, attending physician of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, were invited to the program for online science popularization.
In the program, Dr. Yang Zheng detailed the compilation of Panda Dentist series of popular science cartoon books on stomatology. The books were designed with a series of cartoon panda characters with Sichuan characteristics such as Yuan Yuan and his friends under the guidance of stomatology experts. With the integration of Chengdu landmarks: South Renmin Road, West China Dental Museum, etc., the cartoon books are used to spread oral health knowledge, promote oral health care methods and advocate healthy lifestyles to children and adolescents as well as the whole society.
Dr. Yang Zheng said that we will inevitably have dental diseases in our life. If we take preventive measures, we are the best dentists of our own. Cartoon books are a good carrier to make it easier for children to remember the knowledge related to dental care, and they also allow parents for better participation. In addition, he also gave a lecture on the misunderstanding of brushing teeth and changing teeth, and encouraged children to form a habit of caring for their teeth which can last lifelong. He also encouraged parents to take their children to the hospital to check their teeth, and thus the children can form a correct understanding and overcome their fear of dentistry.
Dr. Zhong Yisi said that children's dental care should start at a young age. It should start from the mother pregnancy. Since their half a year old, it is recommended that children see a dentist every three to six months.
According to Dr. Yin Wei’s data analysis, 40% of the children aged 0-12 come to the dentist for prevention. The data is gradually increasing, but it is far from satisfaction. He hopes that everyone can value their teeth, care for their oral health, and regard their teeth health as the standard of modern civilization.
In the popular science Q&A, experts explained and answered questions about children's dental caries. Some chart data was used to introduce the situation of children with caries from three to five years old, where it shows the treatment of children with caries is not satisfactory. Parents often do not pay enough attention to it and children are afraid of dentistry. Some parents think it does not matter when the child have deciduous teeth caries, because they will change their teeth soon. In fact, the deciduous teeth caries need treatment as well. Among patients with dental problems, most of them have not formed proper habit of oral health since childhood. They hope that through Panda Dentist cartoon books, the cutest characters can spread oral knowledge to children and help them develop a good habit of caring for their teeth.
Demo of brushing teeth for a baby over one year old
[Popular Science] Sixth-Year Tooth
"Six-year tooth": It refers to the first permanent molar that children grow, that is, the first large molar (commonly known as big tooth). There are four such teeth for each person, with one on the left upper, left lower, right upper, and right lower respectively. Under normal circumstances, this tooth grows out around six years old, so it is commonly known as "six-year tooth". According to clinical data and literature, "sixth-year tooth" has the highest rate of caries, and the proportion of extraction and the incidence of other dental diseases are higher than other teeth. Functionally, this tooth is the most important molar, so special attention should be paid to the protection of "sixth-year tooth".
Under the guidance of the Health China of National Health Commission and the Sichuan Association for Science and Technology, SCIMEA organized Medical Approach for children oral health science special program, and worked with Sichuan Observe App, Sina News, news.ifeng.com, thecover.cn, Youku, Sina Weibo, toutiao.com, ixigua.com, mudu.tv, Baidu and other platforms for online live featuring, with a total of over 2.04 million real-time online viewings. It is hoped that through the story of panda Yuan Yuan and his friends, parents and children can explore the secrets of dental health together, understand the methods of protecting their teeth, gain common knowledge of tooth care, form good habits of tooth care, and help all people have healthy and beautiful teeth and wear smiles out of healthy life.
[Introduction to the Cartoon Books]
The Panda Dentist series of stomatology popular science cartoon books were initiated by SCIMEA and co-edited by six experts from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. With the integration professionalism of West China Hospital of Stomatology and cartoon books, and through the design of a series of cartoon characters and scenes, especially cartoon images that are popular among children and adolescents, it includes oral health knowledge in interesting stories through the presentation of daily life, with the goal to spread oral health knowledge, promote oral health care methods to children and adolescents as well as the whole society, encourage healthy lifestyles, and have a part to promote "Healthy China".
Thanks to Dr. Yang Zheng, Yin Wei, and Zhong Yisi for sharing their knowledge on oral health, and thank to our audience for their support. SCIMEA will hold more wonderful live lectures, so please stay tuned with our updates.
