Sir, 'water bells' is a concept of making school children drink water at specific intervals by ringing the school bell thrice daily. In India children above three years spend most of their day at childcare or at school and the initiative is based on the UN guidelines that every child should have access to safe drinking water.
Studies show that children suffer from various diseases and conditions due to low water intake.1 Water is considered as an essential nutrient that has an important role in overall functioning of the human body, but water intake in children is usually less than the recommendations.2 Various studies show that drinking adequate amounts of water can improve students' level of cognitive functioning, limit excess weight gain and prevent dehydration, urinary tract infection etc.3,4 Consuming water instead of beverages with added sugars can also prevent the occurrence of dental caries in children.5
The concept started in government schools in Kerala state, with bells at 11 am, 2 pm and 3.30 pm and is now embraced by other states including Karnataka, Telegana and Orissa. As a dental surgeon I feel the concept has to be initiated in all schools across India so that the oral cavity is cleared of food items and adequately hydrated and dental diseases are prevented.
References
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Edmonds C J, Jeffes B. Does having a drink help you think? 6-7-year-old children show improvements in cognitive performance from baseline to test after having a drink of water. Appetite 2009; 53: 469-472.
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Ebbeling C B, Feldman H A, Osganian S K, Chomitz V R, Ellenbogen S J, Ludwig D S. Effects of decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on body weight in adolescents: a randomized, controlled pilot study. Pediatrics 2006; 117: 673-680.
Ismail A I, Sohn W, Lim S, Willem J M. Predictors of dental caries progression in primary teeth. J Dent Res 2009; 88: 270-275.
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Peedikayil, F. Water bells for hydration. Br Dent J 230, 3 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-2556-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-2556-9