Dignitaries with participants during state-level World Oral Health Day 2022 observation at Kros College, Kohima on March 20. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 20
Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed World Oral Health Day 2022 under the theme “Be Proud of Your Mouth.”
In the state capital Kohima, a programme was organized by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima under National Oral Health Programme at Kros College, Kohima.
Speaking on the theme, Dr Pfukrolo Koza, junior dental specialist Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) said that World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated every year on 20 March.
He said the WOHD campaign provides an ideal platform to raise awareness and encourage commitments and action to promote good oral health.
By leveraging thoughtfully coordinated efforts at the local, national, and global levels, the voice of the oral health community can be amplified in the lead-up to WOHD every year, he said.
The WOHD aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.
“The growing burden of oral disease demands action on every level: individual, family and community. World Dental Federation is confident that simple, targeted action has the power to curb the prevalence of oral diseases and make oral health a personal priority for all,” he said.
The WOHD 2022 campaign provides an ideal opportunity to explore the links between oral health, general health and quality of life, leaders are making to improve the oral health of millions of people across the world, he noted.
Today, an armada of new technologies is revolutionizing dentistry, easing the work of dental professionals, improving patient experiences, and also leading the transformation towards sustainable practices, Dr Koza said.
Good oral hygiene habits will keep away most of the dental problems saving you from toothaches and costly dental treatments & others, he added.
Awareness regarding the importance of oral hygiene has significantly increased in the developed countries, but contrary to that, the modern dietary lifestyle habits are posing a greater risk for oral health, he said.
“Good oral hygiene should be a joined effort between you and your dentist,” he noted, adding that regular dental checkups are an essential part of dental hygiene routine for young and old alike.
Vidilhou Suohu, administrator Kros College Kohima also delivered short speech at the programmed chaired by Dr Rosy Yhome, senior dental specialist NHAK.
Wokha: Meanwhile in Wokha, the day was observed with the Sunday school students at Tiyichan Baptist Church, Wokha.
A press release from CMO Wokha informed that the theme speaker was Dr Daisy Ovung, Senior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital, Wokha, who spoke on oral hygiene, prevention of oral diseases and food habits for good oral health.
A quiz competition on oral health was conducted by Dr Mhayani Jami and prizes were awarded to the winners.
Toothpastes and Information, Education and Communication materials on oral health were also distributed among the children.
More than 500 Sunday school students and teachers participated in the programme.
Zunheboto: The National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Nagaland was observed the day at SBCZ DC Hill Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto where Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie, Dental Surgeon of District Hospital Zunheboto emphasised that to have a healthy body one need to have a healthy mouth.
Stating that oral health plays an integral part of general health, she highlighted the two most common problems faced by the people i.e. tooth decay (dental caries) and Gum infection (Periodontics).
During an awareness session, Dr Esther made a presentation explaining in details oral health, causes of oral diseases such as Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), Recession of gum and Periodontics and problems causing poor oral health.
Stating that good oral habits is key in keeping one’s teeth healthy and strong, she also demonstrated the techniques of brushing and the right way to floss and hygiene practices to the children.
Activities such as awareness session, Quiz competitions marked the World Oral Health Day and the winners were awarded with cash prizes while pamphlets on good oral hygiene practices were distributed to the participants, stated a press release from CMO Zunheboto.
