Along with the rest of the world, World Oral Health Day 2025 was celebrated across the state on March 20 under the common theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind.”
CHUMOUKEDIMA: National Oral Health Programme Dimapur, Department of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland in collaboration with All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA) Chumoukedima Unit observed “World Oral Health Day 2025” at Chumoukedima Town Council Hall.
At the programme, Special guest, DIGP (Training), Imnalensa, reiterated the importance of abstaining from alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, and pornography. He encouraged the participants to be the change the want to see in the world.
Junior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Dimapur, Dr. Japheth Yepthomi, emphasized on the importance of good oral health and its association with mental wellbeing and overall health and provided visual presentation on the harmful effects of tobacco use and substance abuse. He led the participants in taking a pledge to keep the mouth clean and pledge to keep away from food and bad habits that are harmful to the body.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Temsu Longkumer, while delivering his keynote address, urged the participants to take ownership of their own body and health. He advised the gathering to stay away from tobacco products and alcohol and to inform others the harmful effects of tobacco usage.
During the programme, winners of various competitions under the oral health theme such as Essay Writing, Slogan Writing, and Reels Production were awarded. The programme was chaired by advisor ANSPA Chumoukedima Unit, Bendangchuba, District Nodal Officer NOHP & NTCP Dimapur, Dr. N. Moa Jamir gave the welcome address and president ANSPA, Chumoukedima Unit, Elizabeth, delivered the vote of thanks followed by benediction.
More than 500 student representatives from 22 schools under Chumoukedima district attended the function.
MOKOKCHUNG: World Oral Health Day 2025 was observed at Lady Bird School, Mokokchung under National Oral Health Programme (NOHP).
Dental Surgeon IMDH, Dr. Keneitheja, in his address advocated importance of oral health and imparted necessary oral hygiene awareness to the teachers and students of the school.
A painting competition was conducted on the theme, where Imnatila Lemtur of class 9, Lipoktuden Pongen of class 9, and Bendangyangla Tzudir of Class 7, bagged the first, second and third position respectively.
KOHIMA: World Oral Health Day 2025 was observed at Government Middle School, Merhulietsa Kohima under the banner of National Oral Health Programme, organised by Dental Department of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.
Resource person, Dr. Neingutunuo Angami highlighted on the importance of good oral hygiene and its association with mental wellbeing and overall health. Essay writing and poster making competitions were conducted for students while cash award along with certificates were given to the winners.
Altogether, 100 students and staffs participated in the programme and free oral kits were given to all the participants.
WAKCHING: World Oral Health Day was celebrated for the first time at GMS Wakching organised by National Oral Health Programme, District Hospital, Mon, where around 230 students from different schools attended the programme.
District Nodal Officer NOHP, Mon, Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, dwelled on the theme and shared that maintaining oral health had psychological benefits. “A healthy smile contributes to positive self-esteem and mental well-being”, she stated, adding that people with good oral hygiene practices were more likely to engage socially, fostering healthy relationships with others thereby reducing stress levels. Poster competition was also held on the theme where 13 students from 6 schools participated, with cash prizes and certificates given to all participants.
ZUNHEBOTO: World Oral Health Day 2025 was observed at Bloomfield Hr. Secondary School, Zunheboto, organised by National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Zunheboto, under the aegis of the Department of Health & Family Welfare.
According to a DIPR report, speaking at the occasion, Sr. Dental Surgeon, DH Zunheboto, Dr. K Rosy Yhome, highlighted that World Oral Health Day was marked annually on March 20 which draws attention to oral health being a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life.
She linked oral health and mental health with the theme slogan and said that oral diseases were among the most common non communicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people.
Dr. Yhome further said that the global initiative was to raise awareness about importance of oral health and encourage good oral hygiene practices.
PHEK: Phek Government College in collaboration with National Oral Health Program (NOHP) & National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) organized a programme on account of World Oral Health Day within the college premises.
District Nodal Officer NOHP & NTCP, Dr. Pfukrolo Koza shed light on the link between a healthy mouth and a healthy mind, and how poor oral health can negatively impact personality by affecting self-esteem, mental state, social interactions, and also financial implications. He stated that a lifetime of proper oral hygiene improves quality of life.
Koza also highlighted the anatomy of the teeth, stages of oral treatment, recommended preventive measures and causes of dental diseases.
Further stating the growing impact of tobacco use in Nagaland and its ramifications that leads to oral cancer and the importance of creating awareness amongst the community, he expounded on the different facilities available and different oral cases presently taken up at District Hospital, Phek.
Free oral kits were distributed to all the participants, which included the faculties of the college and the students.