World Oral Health Day has been observed globally on March 20 every year to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being.
The theme of this year was, ““Be proud of your mouth”. In Nagaland, the day was observed in schools by organizing various activities for students.
KOHIMA: The day was observed at Chedema Village, Kohima and dental department district hospital, Dimapur on Monday with Director Dental (DH&FW), Dr. Theyiephrezo Khimiao as special guest. A DIPR report stated that the special guest in his address, encouraged the students and members to look after oral health for overall health by maintaining consistent oral hygiene. He also encouraged the VHC to make oral health a priority and extended support to make oral health awareness a success.
Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, Jt Director & SPO (NOHP) spoke on the theme and a short awareness on tobacco was delivered by Dr. Arenla Walling, Dy. Director & SNO (NTCP).
On the occasion, 70 students from GMS Chedema and Holy Cross School Chedema were screened by visiting dentist from the NOHP division. To encourage healthy oral habits, the students were given oral health kits and a brushing calendar. Further, the students were given referral cards for further examination.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Seyiekhrietou John, chairman VHC, Chedema, SPO (AYUSH) DH&FW and began with an invocation by Razouvolie Üsou, Pastor Chedema Baptist Church.
DIMAPUR: In Dimapur, the event was observed at the Dental Department of District Hospital Dimapur with teachers and students of St. Anthony’s School, Tenyiphe-I village.
Dr. Reyasalu Lase Vizo, Senior Dental Specialist and District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme Dimapur oriented the students and teachers on the importance of oral hygiene. She also highlighted various preventive measures to avoid risk such as use of tobacco and tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, eating sugary food etc.
She said World Oral Health Day has been observed every year on March 20 to promote awareness on the importance of oral hygiene and the need to safeguard oral health as the mouth was the gateway to body. To mark the occasion, a total of 856 pairs of toothbrush and toothpaste were distributed to the students, teachers, and staffs of St. Anthony’s School.
WOKHA: Dental Health Unit of Dr. Mostuo Memorial District Hospital, Wokha observed the day at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Chukitong, Wokha.
In a press release Chief Medical Officer’s office Wokha said that poster making competition based on the theme was conducted to create awareness regarding oral health among the JNV students. The students participated actively, and the best 16 posters were awarded.
Dr. Daisy Ovung and Dr Mhayani Jami were resource persons where she spoke on the oral health and prevention of oral health diseases, and good Oral hygiene practices.
Topic on tobacco control was also highlighted and IEC materials on oral health were distributed among the students and staffs.
The team also visited Government Primary School and Government Higher Secondary School Chukitong and conducted awareness activities on oral health and tobacco control.
MON: To mark, the day quiz and painting competitions were organized at Model School and GPS Mon Town B School led by Dr Neingutunuo Jr dental specialist DH Mon and Dr Amen Jr dental surgeon, DH Mon.
In a press release, NHM Mon media officer Leeyan Chemshy, stated that before the activities, Dr Neingutunuo Jr dental specialist DH Mon explained in details on the oral health and hygiene, causes of oral diseases and the problems that could cause through poor oral health.
MOKOKCHUNG: National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Mokokchung observed the day at Government Middle School Kumlong, Mokokchung.
On the occasion, dental surgeon Dr.Sentirenla, stressed on the importance of oral health as “the window to overall health”. Free oral hygiene kit (comprising of a toothbrush and tooth paste) were distributed to the students.
Essay writing competition as well as painting competition was also organized at the school.
