Nagaland joined the world to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health by observing “World Oral Health Day” (WOHD) under the 2024 theme, “A happy mouth is a happy body”, on Wednesday. The 2024 WOHD campaign aims to spread awareness around oral health and its intricate link with overall health.
Kohima
GMS CwSN & NHAK: Government Middle School, Children with Special Needs (CwSN), Lerie in collaboration with Nagaland Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) observed the day at GMS CwSN. Speaking at the event as the theme speaker, dental specialist of NHAK, Dr Neingutuonuo Angami, highlighted the importance of good oral hygiene and its effects on general health.
Using the help of a PowerPoint, she showed the school children how to maintain a healthy oral lifestyle which contributes to the overall health of a person.
Dr. Neingutuonuo also pointed out the health complications and risks associated with unhygienic oral health and encouraged brushing twice every day, accompanied by flossing and cleaning of the tongue.
Proper teeth brushing techniques were demonstrated by district oral health officer, NOHP, Kohima, Dr I Simon Sumi. As a precursor to the auspicious day, an oral screening was done on a total of 124 students on March 19 where free medicines were also distributed to the students.
The essay and poster drawing competitions were organised and Peteneino, Changmonuo and Inaghato bagged the first, second and third positions in essay writing respectively, while Bangthron, Monyeih, Vilhousato and Pekito bagged the first, second, third, and fourth positions respectively in poster drawing competition. (Correspondent)
Kohima: The Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoH&FW) observed WOHD at Khedi Baptist Higher Secondary School Kohima, wherein director (dental), Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, highlighted the theme of the day and its importance. The joint director and SNO (NTCP), Dr. Arenla Walling, articulated the harmful effects of tobacco and its adverse effects on livelihood.
Dimapur: National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Dimapur observed WOHD at Government Middle School Dimapur Town, wherein district nodal officer for National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Dimapur, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, sensitised the students about brushing their teeth twice every day for two minutes.
She said the small act of brushing twice a day was one of the simplest and easiest ways to maintain good oral health and keep away from many unwanted illnesses. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. Limatula Aier also reiterated the importance of brushing twice a day. She urged the students to take home the message about the importance of brushing twice a day to maintain good oral health and disseminate the information to their families and friends. Winners of the essay writing and poster making competitions were facilitated.
Mokokchung
Mokokchung: National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Mokokchung observed WOHD at Government High School (GHS) Mokokchung Village, wherein the theme speaker, dental surgeon of IMDH, Dr K. Tiasenla, highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth and its benefits for the body.
She also advised students to stay away from chewing harmful tobacco substances like pan masala and smoking as it leads to harmful diseases. As part of the observation, a poster competition and essay competition based on the theme was organised for the school students. Imlinaro of class 10 and Putisenla of class 8 were declared winners of the essay competition and poster competition respectively.
Zunheboto
Zunheboto: National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Zunheboto, observed WOHD at Seven Home High School, Zunheboto, wherein senior dental surgeon, District Hospital Zunheboto, Dr. Rosy Yhome, highlighted the students on WOHD 2024 theme and the significance of the day. Poster and quiz competitions were also held on the theme and were participated by students from different schools.
Kiphire
Kiphire: Commemorating the WOHD, an oral health awareness camp was held at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Pungro, Kiphire, wherein dental surgeon Dr. Weri Mero, gave a presentation on dental hygiene emphasising its significance in preserving general health advantages.
Dr. Mero also briefed the students about the negative impacts of using tobacco products, particularly in relation to smoking and chewing gutkha. The participants were also shown suitable brushing procedures by the medical staff. Dental examinations, fluoride treatment to prevent cavities, and tooth extractions and temporary fillings were carried out during the camp.