ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsChildren get "Lessons in a Lunchbox"

Local school children learned the importance of good dental hygiene Tuesday.

The UAB School of Dentistry partnered with the Children's Oral Health Institute in Maryland for "Lessons in a Lunchbox." 

Dental students taught hundreds of youngsters at Glen Iris Elementary the proper ways to brush and explained why it's important to visit the dentist regularly.   "If we can encourage parents and caregivers to talk to their children about brushing their teeth and taking care of themselves, eating healthy, these are things that last a lifetime. It's much easier to talk to a four year old than a forty year old about changing their habits and getting on the right track," said UAB student Natasha Varma.

Each child was given a lunchbox with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. The idea: to encourage brushing after lunch. 

This is the first time for the program in Alabama.