Guardians of the Teeth project tackles the problem of kids not brushing their teeth properly because they find it boring or repetitive. This lack of enthusiasm can lead to bad oral hygiene and long-term dental issues. According to the Malaysian National Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children, 71.3% of preschool kids had cavities, and 59.8% had visible plaque. And the Journal of Dental Research says early childhood cavities triple the risk of adult dental problems.
Project Concept & Idea: This project aims to teach preschool kids the importance of good brushing habits using interactive and gamified experiences. The goal is to instill proper brushing habits and help them develop muscle memory for brushing correctly. The fun animations motivate kids to brush their teeth thoroughly and properly, turning a boring task into an enjoyable one.
User Interaction & Technical Approach: The setup triggers engaging animations when kids brush a tooth model. A magnetic proximity sensor and Makey-Makey technology detect the brushing action, driving the interactive elements. As kids brush the model’s teeth, the animation shows them getting cleaner and whiter. The brushing session is timed to guide kids toward the correct brushing duration. When they finish, they get compliments, reinforcing positive behavior and rewarding them for achieving clean teeth.
Guardians of the Teeth is the a multi-award winner work of Kancil Award 2023 by three talented students:
Ling Qian Ping
Wong Ming Vae
Cheong Yoke Ying
They manage to secure two awards from two categories in the Kancil Award 2023.
Category: Best Idea for Social Good Award: Silver Category: Digital Craft – Interaction Design Award: Merit
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Idea for Social Good (Silver)
Kancil Award 2023 -Digital Craft – Interactive Design (Merit)
