Kohima, March 20 (EMN): Nagaland observed the ‘World Oral Health Day’ on March 20 on the theme “Be proud of your mouth.” The day is celebrated with an aim to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.
On the theme ‘Be proud of your mouth,’ the World Oral Health Day campaign provides an ideal opportunity to explore the links between oral health, general health and quality of life.
In Kohima, a programme was organised by the department of Health and Family Welfare under National Oral Health Programme at Kros College, Kohima.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Pfukrolo Koza, junior dental specialist at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), said the day is celebrated every year on March 20. He said the day’s 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 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 added.
“Today, an armada of new technologies is revolutionising dentistry, easing the work of dental professionals, improving patient experiences, and also leading the transformation towards sustainable practices,” Dr. Koza said adding that good oral hygiene habits would keep away most of the dental problems and save from toothaches and costly dental treatments and others.
“Good oral hygiene should be a joint effort between you and your dentist,” he said, advising regular dental checkups for young and old alike.
Vidilhou Suohu, administrator of Kros College, also delivered a short speech.
Zunheboto district also observed the ‘World Oral Health Day’ at SBCZ DC Fellowship in Zunheboto town organised by the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), Nagaland.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Esther ChophyNgullie, dental surgeon at District Hospital Zunheboto, stated that to have a healthy body one needs to have a healthy mouth as oral health plays an integral part of general health.
She highlighted the two most common problems faced by the people namely tooth decay (dental caries) and gum infection (periodontics).
Dr. Esther also made a powerpoint presentation in minute details on oral health, causes of oral diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), recession of gum and periodontics and problems causing poor oral health. She stated that apart from brushing, one should also develop good oral habits to keep the teeth healthy and strong.
She further demonstrated the techniques of brushing and the right way to floss and hygiene practices to the children.
Activities such as awareness sessions, quiz competitions marked the day and the winners were awarded with cash prizes.
The programme was attended by the Sunday School children of SBCZ DC Hill Prayer Fellowship, deacons, women pastors and members.
Pamphlets on good oral hygiene practices were distributed to the participants.