Table 1 Family Dental Wellness Zones and their respective oral health education activities

Zone 1

Drawing of own teeth to assess the children’s knowledge of their own teeth and their associated tissues. Mothers and children were advised on the normal appearance of the child’s teeth so they can identify any oral problems should they occur in the future. Mothers were also trained to diagnose white spot lesions and were advised to do home oral exams about once a month.

Zone 2

Healthy snack games to assess mothers’ and children’s food preferences and to advise them about the effect of sugar on oral health, the importance of reading food labels, and age-appropriate healthy meals.

Zone 3

A wide range of toothbrushes and toothpastes were displayed and children were requested to choose, and state the reasons for their choices. Mothers and children were then advised on the appropriate usage of toothbrush and toothpaste, and the benefits of fluoride

Zone 4

Mothers were asked to apply plaque-disclosing solutions to their children’s teeth. A dental surgery assistant helped to explain about plaque to both mothers and children, and assisted mothers in calculating the plaque score.

Zone 5

Toothbrushing demonstrations and smiling contests amongst the samples and the younger siblings.

Zone 6

Multimedia interactive games on toothbrushing to highlight the importance of an effective brushing technique.