Toothbrushes in Tamil Nadu

ratatoui · Jun 27th, 2007, 18:41

O.K., I hope this doesn't seem like a strange question, but how prevalent is the use of toothbrushes and toothpaste in Tamil Nadu?

I ask because we are travelling there soon, and while there, are carrying a donation of clothing, shoes, and money for an association.

We have also been given several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste by friends in the dental profession, but the association that we are making our donation to, very kindly and politely, explained to us that though they appreciate the generous gesture, that toothbrushes would not be very useful to them as the children tend to clean their teeth with neem leaves.

So I now have several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste that I would like to see put to good use, and would happily bring them with me to Tamil Nadu but am now wondering if they would be as useful as me bringing say, snow suits

Many thanks for tips about the wondeful world of dental hygiene in Tamil Nadu as well as, if appropriate, ideas of non-profits that could find 60 odd toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste (adult and child) of use.

My very best and thanks!
Ratatoui

Nick-H · Jun 27th, 2007, 20:26

That would be neem twigs and, I have to say that I haven't seen anyone using one for years. Maybe some very traditional or poor people might, or maybe if I spent time in rural locations I might.

Seems to be almost a social event, in the poorer streets, wandering the street outside the house with a toothbrush sticking out of the mouth. And, in the streets that my homes have overlooked, it has definitely been a toothbrush.

I suspect that that association is out of touch with modern dental habits --- at least in the city.

I am certain that you will find a welcoming home for them somewhere.

ISN · Jun 27th, 2007, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratatoui

O.K., I hope this doesn't seem like a strange question, but how prevalent is the use of toothbrushes and toothpaste in Tamil Nadu?

I ask because we are travelling there soon, and while there, are carrying a donation of clothing, shoes, and money for an association.

We have also been given several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste by friends in the dental profession, but the association that we are making our donation to, very kindly and politely, explained to us that though they appreciate the generous gesture, that toothbrushes would not be very useful to them as the children tend to clean their teeth with neem leaves.

So I now have several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste that I would like to see put to good use, and would happily bring them with me to Tamil Nadu but am now wondering if they would be as useful as me bringing say, snow suits

Many thanks for tips about the wondeful world of dental hygiene in Tamil Nadu as well as, if appropriate, ideas of non-profits that could find 60 odd toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste (adult and child) of use.

My very best and thanks!
Ratatoui

People who live in villages (most of them) tend to use neem sticks but people who live in cities always use brush, if you let me know which part of Tamil Nadu you are traveling then I can find some organization that might me interested in receiving the tooth brush and tooth paste.

ratatoui · Jun 27th, 2007, 20:36

Thanks for your thoughts, Nick-H! And thank you ISN for any contacts you could give me for an association that could put these things to good use. I have adult and children's toothbrushes (about 80 total) and mini tubes of toothpaste for children and adults (about 100 total).

We will be in Mamaballipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and Chennai.

Ideally some place in Mamaballipuram or Pondicherry since that is where we are starting and would help us to avoid dragging boxes of tooth stuff around for three weeks

Thanks again!
Ratatoui

ISN · Jun 27th, 2007, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratatoui

Thanks for your thoughts, Nick-H! And thank you ISN for any contacts you could give me for an association that could put these things to good use. I have adult and children's toothbrushes (about 80 total) and mini tubes of toothpaste for children and adults (about 100 total).

We will be in Mamaballipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and Chennai.

Ideally some place in Mamaballipuram or Pondicherry since that is where we are starting and would help us to avoid dragging boxes of tooth stuff around for three weeks

Thanks again!
Ratatoui

You can contact Udavum Karangal in Chennai http://www.udavumkarangal.org they can take the tooth brush and toothpaste.

Udavum Karangal http://www.udavumkarangal.org
Udavum Karangal
Chennai #460, N.S.K. Nagar
Chennai - 600106
India

Phone # +91-44-2621 6321, 2621 6421, 262 22161

ratatoui · Jun 28th, 2007, 20:05

Thanks!

Jun 27th, 2007, 18:41	#1
ratatoui Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Posts: 5	Toothbrushes in Tamil Nadu O.K., I hope this doesn't seem like a strange question, but how prevalent is the use of toothbrushes and toothpaste in Tamil Nadu? I ask because we are travelling there soon, and while there, are carrying a donation of clothing, shoes, and money for an association. We have also been given several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste by friends in the dental profession, but the association that we are making our donation to, very kindly and politely, explained to us that though they appreciate the generous gesture, that toothbrushes would not be very useful to them as the children tend to clean their teeth with neem leaves. So I now have several boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste that I would like to see put to good use, and would happily bring them with me to Tamil Nadu but am now wondering if they would be as useful as me bringing say, snow suits Many thanks for tips about the wondeful world of dental hygiene in Tamil Nadu as well as, if appropriate, ideas of non-profits that could find 60 odd toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste (adult and child) of use. My very best and thanks! Ratatoui

Jun 27th, 2007, 20:26	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,811	That would be neem twigs and, I have to say that I haven't seen anyone using one for years. Maybe some very traditional or poor people might, or maybe if I spent time in rural locations I might. Seems to be almost a social event, in the poorer streets, wandering the street outside the house with a toothbrush sticking out of the mouth. And, in the streets that my homes have overlooked, it has definitely been a toothbrush. I suspect that that association is out of touch with modern dental habits --- at least in the city. I am certain that you will find a welcoming home for them somewhere. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Jun 27th, 2007, 20:36	#4
ratatoui Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Posts: 5	Thanks for your thoughts, Nick-H! And thank you ISN for any contacts you could give me for an association that could put these things to good use. I have adult and children's toothbrushes (about 80 total) and mini tubes of toothpaste for children and adults (about 100 total). We will be in Mamaballipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and Chennai. Ideally some place in Mamaballipuram or Pondicherry since that is where we are starting and would help us to avoid dragging boxes of tooth stuff around for three weeks Thanks again! Ratatoui

Jun 28th, 2007, 20:05	#6
ratatoui Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Posts: 5	Thanks!

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