Nagaland marks World Oral Health Day 2026 with awareness events across districts, promoting dental hygiene and healthy living.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland observed World Oral Health Day 2026 on the theme ‘A happy mouth is a happy life’ across several districts on March 20.
Kohima: The celebration was held at Capital Convention Centre with Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare department, Renabomo Odyuo as the special guest.
In his address, the special guest emphasised the importance of community effort in achieving the goal of good dental health, involving families, schools, and healthcare workers, with a focus on mothers, who play an important role in shaping family health habits and establishing a strong foundation for lifelong health in their children, a DIPR report stated.
He also congratulated the Nagaland dental team for achieving two national awards in 2025, the 'Best Performer' Award in Small States on World Oral Health Day and 'Special Recognition' for World No Tobacco Day.
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A special remark was made by Dr. Sendimeren Aonok, Director (health), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, where he highlighted the rising prevalence of periodontal disease, dental caries and oral cancer in the state, necessitating an integrated approach between oral health and general health.
He stated that dental surgeons are the guardians of oral health with a pivotal role in patient education and in creating awareness regarding tobacco use and hygiene maintenance.
He also emphasised the importance of mothers in instilling good oral hygiene habits in children at an early age.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Reyosalu Lase, Addl. Director (Dental), DH&FW, and welcome address delivered by Dr. I Arenla Walling, Director (Dental), DH&FW.
The significance of the day was shared by Dr. N Moangangba Jamir, Jt. Director (Dental) & SNO (NOHP).
This was followed by training on “Mothers role on importance of oral health and overview of oral cancer” with Dr. Thungbeni Ngullie, Sr. Resident (NIMSR) as resource person.
Mon: The event was held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Mon town, organised by National Oral Health Programme, District Hospital Mon (DHM). Dr. Imtimenla Nokdy, Junior Dental Surgeon, spoke on the importance of oral health and its impact on our general health.
She also encouraged the students to go for regular dental checkups which are very important to maintain a good oral health. Quiz competition was also conducted by Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, District Nodal Officer, NOHP. All the participants took a pledge to maintain a good oral health, an update stated.
Peren: The NOHP, in collaboration with the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Peren, observed World Oral Health Day at PM Shri GHS, Peren.
Dr. Aoyanger, DNO, NOHP, District Hospital Peren, spoke on the theme and highlighted the importance of oral health and hygiene. He urged students to value and care for their oral health, noting that good oral hygiene contributes to a longer and healthier life.
The programme featured a short play by students on oral hygiene, a demonstration of proper brushing techniques by medical officials, and a talk on mental health awareness by Clinical Psychologist Neilasenuo Jane Yhome. An oral health pledge was also administered.
A total of 230 students and 20 teachers participated, and free toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed.
Wokha: World Oral Health Day was observed at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Wokha, with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thungchangbemo Ezung urging people to prioritise oral hygiene and seek timely dental care at government facilities.
Theme speaker Dr. Thungrhoni Kikon, Dental Surgeon at UPHC Wokha, emphasised the importance of oral health, noting that gum diseases can weaken immunity and affect speech, chewing, and even activities like singing and whistling, stated an update from CMO Wokha.
She advised brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and replacing toothbrushes periodically.
Dr. Kikon also informed that month-long awareness activities will be conducted across the district under the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), including training for ASHAs and community sensitisation programmes.
To mark the occasion, a painting competition for students was held at NSCBAV Residential Hostel under Samagra Shiksha, Wokha.
Phek: The programme was conducted at Christian Home School, Phek town, with Dr. Kihito as the theme speaker.
Addressing the students, Dr. Kihito highlighted the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for overall health. He shared key dental care practices, including brushing regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, visiting a dentist routinely, and avoiding tobacco use. Emphasising preventive care, he urged students to limit the consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks and stressed the need to preserve natural teeth.
He also educated the students about the two sets of teeth—milk (deciduous) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth—and encouraged them to follow the “3 twos” rule: brush twice a day, brush for two minutes, and visit a dentist twice a year.
The programme also featured a short speech on oral health by Zulhuto Ringa, a Class 7 student, along with a skit highlighting the importance of dental hygiene.
As part of the initiative, the NOHP distributed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and informational leaflets on oral health to all students and teachers.