Doctors with students of St Anthony’s School , Tenyiphe-I village during the World Oral Health Day programme on March 20.
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Dimapur, March 20 (MExN): On March 20, Nagaland joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Oral Health Day. Under the theme "Be Proud of your Mouth," events were held across the state to promote awareness of the importance of oral health and hygiene.
At Chedema Village in Kohima, doctors encouraged school children and members to look after their oral health for overall health by maintaining consistent oral hygiene. A total of 70 students from GMS Chedema and Holy Cross School Chedema were screened by visiting dentists from NOHP division.
To encourage healthy oral habits, the students were given oral health kits and brushing calendar and the students were given referral cards for further examination.
At District Hospital Dimapur, teachers and students of St Anthony’s School, Tenyiphe-I village, were oriented on the importance of oral hygiene by Dr Reyasalu Lase Vizo, Senior Dental Specialist and District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, Dimapur. A total of 856 pairs of toothbrush and toothpaste were distributed to the students, teachers, and staff of St Anthony’s School, according to a press release received here on Monday.
In Mokokchung, Dr Sentirenla, Dental Surgeon, IMDH Mokokchung, presented a health talk on the importance of oral hygiene, stressing that oral health is “the window to overall health.” Free oral hygiene kits were also distributed to the students on the occasion at Government Middle School Kumlong, Mokokchung. Marking the occasion an essay writing competition as well as painting competition was held at the school and the children were awarded.
Mon also celebrated the occasion with a quiz and painting competition at Model School and GPS Mon Town B School.
Dr Neingutunuo, Jr dental specialist, DH Mon explained in minute detail the oral health and hygiene, causes of oral diseases, and the problems that could be caused through poor oral health.
Toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed to all the participants.
At Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Chukitong, Wokha, a poster-making competition was held to create awareness regarding oral health among JNV students. The talks emphasized the importance of oral health and prevention of oral health diseases, good oral hygiene practices, and routine dental check-ups every 6 months.
The programme was organized by the Dental Health Unit of Dr Mostuo Memorial District Hospital Wokha and included a poster making competition based on the theme. Creators of the best 16 posters were given prizes, according to the press release.
The topic of tobacco control was also highlighted, as tobacco use is the leading cause of oral diseases and oral cancer. IEC materials on oral health were distributed among the students and staffs, it said.
Further, the team also visited Government Primary School and Government Higher Secondary School, Chukitong and conducted awareness activities on oral health and tobacco control. The team distributed tooth brushes among the students and presented ‘Tobacco-Free School.’
The programme ended with the hope that everyone would work together to reduce the burden of oral diseases as it affects not only the individual but also the health system and the economy, the release stated.
