CHILDREN here could soon be using what seems like a gift from the Tooth Fairy: a toothbrush that helps them swab the nooks and crannies in their mouths without much effort.

This invention, the Happy Brush, was unveiled yesterday by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). With it, children no longer need to brush the top and sides of each tooth separately, but can clean all the surfaces at once.

The new toothbrush has a curved head with angled bristles which can reach the sides of the tooth as it is being dragged over the top, said Dr Eu Oy Chu, one of its inventors. She had teamed up with seven other dentists and dental therapists from the HPB's School Dental Service for three years to come up with the brush.

Children now need just 60 strokes instead of the recommended 240 to get their teeth clean.

Dr Eu, the senior deputy director of the School Dental Service, said: 'Children find brushing their teeth tiresome and boring. Hopefully, this will stop them from feeling that it is a chore.'

From next Tuesday, the Happy Brush will be sold for $2.50 at the HPB's School Dental Centre and Healthzone.

The toothbrush is also on display at the three-day International Dental Exhibition and Meeting, which opened yesterday. About 5,000 participants are expected at the event held by the Singapore Dental Association.

The Singapore Dental Health Foundation is offering free dental checks over the three days.

At the opening, the World Dental Education Society, a non-profit group set up by dentists here, donated $250,000 to the National University of Singapore's faculty of dentistry, which will be matched by the Government. The funds will help needy students go for exchange programmes overseas.

The Health Ministry's chief dental officer Patrick Tseng gave an update on a new register of dental specialists launched to raise standards.

Since January, 70 dentists have applied to be listed on the register. A list of those accepted will be published on the Singapore Dental Council website in one to two months' time

This story was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 5, 2008