The Development of an Oral Hygiene Kit for Preschool Children: Integrating Play-Based Learning and Visual Communication

Siti Farhana Zakaria and Irwan Zakaria and Radhiahtul Afiqah Amran and Mustaffa Halabi Azahari and Mastura Omar

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science , Volume 10 , Issue 8 , pp. pp. 436-443 | 2026 | ISSN: 2454-6186

Abstract

Oral-health education during early childhood is important for developing preventive hygiene habits and positive attitudes towards dental care. This study developed an Oral Hygiene Kit as a printed, play-based educational tool for preschool children aged four to six years. Using an Action Research approach, the study involved four stages: (i) issue identification, (ii) design and ideation, (iii) implementation, and (iv) evaluation and refinement. The final kit consisted of a board game, flash cards, and a Rubik's Cube, packaged within a child-friendly visual design. The Rabbit Dentist character was used as the central visual identity to create familiarity, encourage engagement, and reduce children’s unfamiliarity with dental-care concepts. The materials were implemented in a dental-clinic setting, where children interacted with the tools while waiting for consultation or treatment. Findings indicate that interactive printed materials can support oral-health communication by combining visual, tactile, and play-based learning experiences. The study highlights the potential of printed educational tools and packaging design as effective media for promoting early oral-health awareness in informal healthcare environments.