The book ‘A mirror for my oral health’ is an educational challenge for children from 6 to 10 years old. They are invited to do a self-assessment on their oral health status, aiming to encourage responsible behaviours.
The reader’s image captured by the front camera (web platform – online book) or by the acrylic surface reflection (printed version), is the central element of the book, which the child uses to compare with clinical photographs. The superior image shows a healthy mouth, while the inferior is an example of an unhealthy situation, placing the reader´s image at the very centre of the information, offering an interactive reading experience.
The book includes information on oral anatomy, tooth growth, oral hygiene, dental trauma and the consequences of oral hygiene neglect.
language is simple and colourful, without hiding the reality seen by health professionals. The photographs were captured from real patients from a paediatric hospital in Lisbon, after written parental consent.
Adults tutoring the younger reader along this experience, are also invited to smile at the camera / acrylic mirror, going through the educational process and helping to ensure a safe use of this tool.
The online version, launched on 20 March 2022, is free, aiming for a universal access to health information. The volunteer work from an international team (https://www.m4oh.com/authors.php), allowed the online version to include 5 languages: Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish and Polish.
