STORY PREVIEW

In our school and neighborhood, we observed that many students face tooth problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gum infections. These issues arise due to improper oral hygiene, lack of access to suitable dental care products, and excessive consumption of sugary foods. This problem affects students' health and confidence, motivating us to seek eco-friendly and effective solutions for better oral care.

We chose to work on the problem of students facing tooth problems like tooth decay, bad breath, and gum infections. This issue caught our attention because it directly impacts the health and well-being of students, often leading to discomfort and low confidence. Additionally, existing dental care products, such as plastic toothbrushes, contribute to environmental pollution. To address both dental health and environmental concerns, we decided to create an eco-friendly and effective toothbrush using sugarcane bagasse, offering a sustainable solution that promotes oral hygiene and reduces plastic waste.

The problem affected students in our school and nearby areas. They faced issues like tooth decay, bad breath, and gum infections. Their main concerns were the pain and discomfort caused by these problems, difficulty focusing on studies, and the use of plastic toothbrushes, which harm the environment.

Using sugarcane bagasse to create an eco-friendly toothbrush to reduce plastic waste. Testing sugarcane fibbers for their antimicrobial properties to help fight oral bacteria. Treating the sugarcane fibbers naturally to make them durable and effective as toothbrush bristles. Designing a biodegradable toothbrush that is both cost-effective and suitable for daily use. Spreading awareness about the importance of using natural and sustainable products for oral health.

We chose to implement the solution of creating an eco-friendly toothbrush using sugarcane bagasse. This solution was selected because it addresses two major issues: improving oral health and reducing plastic waste. Sugarcane bagasse is biodegradable, has antimicrobial properties, and is readily available, making it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to plastic toothbrushes. By using this solution, we aim to promote better dental hygiene and contribute to environmental conservation.

Collection: Gathered sugarcane bagasse from local sources. Preparation: Cleaned, dried, and treated the bagasse fibers to enhance their strength and durability. Testing: Conducted antimicrobial tests to ensure the fibers are effective against oral bacteria. Design: Used the treated fibers to create toothbrush prototypes with soft, durable bristles. Evaluation: Tested the toothbrush for effectiveness and comfort, and collected feedback from users.

Our project successfully created an eco-friendly toothbrush using sugarcane bagasse. The toothbrush showed effective antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce oral bacteria and improve dental hygiene. It was well-received by users, who reported fresher breath and healthier teeth. Additionally, the biodegradable nature of the toothbrush contributes to reducing plastic waste, promoting environmental conservation. This project demonstrated a practical and sustainable solution for oral health and environmental issues.

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"After using the sugarcane toothbrush, my teeth feel much cleaner, and my breath is fresher. I love that it’s eco-friendly!" – Participant from Santhipuram "I noticed a significant improvement in my oral health. The toothbrush is gentle on the gums and feels much better than plastic ones." – Participant from Kuppam

Problem: We needed to make sure the toothbrush was effective for cleaning teeth. Solution: We tested the toothbrush to check if it fought bacteria and improved oral health. Problem: People weren’t aware of the new eco-friendly toothbrush. Solution: We shared information and educated people about the benefits of using the toothbrush.

MORE THAN 30 DAYS

Good health and well being

I believe these solutions worked because we addressed the key challenges step by step. By strengthening the sugarcane fibers, we ensured the toothbrush was durable enough for daily use. Testing the effectiveness of the toothbrush confirmed that it improved oral health, which made it a reliable alternative. Spreading awareness helped people understand the benefits of using an eco-friendly product, making them more open to trying it. These actions led to a successful implementation of the project.

How I Shared My Project with My School and Community: I shared my project by organizing a small presentation and demonstration at school, where I explained the process of making the eco-friendly toothbrush from sugarcane bagasse. I also displayed samples of the toothbrush and shared the results of our tests showing its effectiveness in improving oral health. Who I Shared My Project With: I shared the project with my classmates, teachers, and local community members in Santhipuram, Kuppam, and Settipalli. Their Response: The response was positive. People were impressed by the idea of using natural materials like sugarcane bagasse for toothbrushes. Many appreciated the eco-friendly aspect and were eager to try the toothbrush. Some participants gave positive feedback about improved oral health, including fresher breath and cleaner teeth.

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Raise Awareness: Continue educating the school and community about the benefits of using eco-friendly toothbrushes through workshops and presentations. Collaborate with Local Vendors: Work with local shops to sell the sugarcane toothbrushes, making them more accessible to the community. Encourage Recycling: Promote the idea of using natural materials to replace plastic products, encouraging people to adopt sustainable habits.