What is the Project?

Operation Don’t Chew (ODC) is a non-profit that proposes to help those persons who wish to use an alternative methods to pre-mastication of foods for their babies/toddlers. ODC proposes to collect blenders or any other kitchen utensil that can puree food (food processors, grinders, etc.) for mothers or caregivers to use during the weaning period instead of pre-masticating the foods.   For decades, pre-mastication has been used by mothers and caregivers during the weaning period, from milk to table foods; however unbeknown to a majority of people, this practice carries several health risks, mainly 1) increase risk for childhood caries and recently 2) the possible transmission of viruses such as HIV or Syphillis (Guar et al, 2009; Pingyu, 2009) or Steptococcus Mutans, the bateria identified as the culprit in dental caries.