Along with the rest of the world, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was observed in several parts of the state.
KOHIMA
Kohima: The World Oral Health Day 2026 was celebrated on March 20, under the theme ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life’ at Capital Convention Center, Kohima.
A press release by IEC Bureau, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, stated that special guest, additional secretary, health & family welfare department, Renabomo Odyuo, in his address stated WOHD was observed globally to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral health, which is essential for overall wellbeing and in improving quality of life.
He emphasized on the importance of community effort in achieving this goal, involving families, schools and healthcare workers, with a special focus on mothers, who play an important role in shaping family health habits and establishing strong foundation for lifelong health in their children.
He also congratulated the Nagaland Dental team for achieving two national awards in the year 2025, for the “Best Performer” award in Small states on World Oral Health Day and “Special Recognition” for World No Tobacco Day.
A special remark was also made by director (health), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW), Kohima, Dr. Sendimeren Aonok, who 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 also stated that dental surgeons are the guardians of oral health with a pivotal role in a patient’s education and in creating awareness regarding tobacco use and hygiene maintenance.
He informed that the Department is upgrading every Dental Health Units in the State, in a phase-wise manner, with modern equipment’s such as, dental chair & unit, light cure machines, scalers with RVG (digital X-ray), computer sets, laptops, etc.
WOKHA
Wokha: Wokha observed World Oral Health Day at Urban Primary Health Centre Wokha on March 20.
Highlighting the significance of the day, chief medical officer, Wokha, Dr. Thungchangbemo Ezung, said that the day was observed every year since 2007 to create awareness on oral health. He urged the community members to give more importance to their oral hygiene and consult the dental surgeon at designated government health facilities for dental treatment.
Meanwhile, theme speaker, dental surgeon, UPHC Wokha, Dr. Thungrhoni Kikon, said the theme conveyed simple yet powerful message on importance of oral health. She said that gum problems can impact overall health of a person by weakening the immune system.
Dr. Kikon further advised participants to maintain good oral health by brushing twice daily, using right brushing techniques, flossing and changing toothbrush at regular intervals.
She also informed that health workers would be conducting month long activities on oral health such as training for ASHAs and sensitisation for community members across the district under the National Oral Health Programme.
MON
Mon: World Oral Health Day 2026 was observed at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Mon town, under the theme ‘A happy mouth is a happy life’, organised by National Oral Health Programme, District Hospital, Mon.
Jr Dental Surgeon, District Hospital, Mon, Dr Imtimenla Nokdy, in his address, spoke on the importance of oral health and its impact on general health. She also encouraged students to go for regular dental check-ups to maintain a good oral health.
Quiz competition was also conducted by District Nodal Officer, NOHP, Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie, whereby certificates and cash prizes were also given to winners of the quiz competition.
The release added that all participants took pledge to maintain good oral health.
PEREN
Peren: National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) in collaboration with District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Peren observed World Oral Health Day under the theme, ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life’, on March 20 at PM Shri GHS, Peren.
Speaking on the theme, ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life’, DNO, NOHP, District Hospital, Peren, Dr. Aoyanger, highlighted the importance of dental, oral health and hygiene. He encouraged students to value their mouth and take care of it, stressing that good oral health is essential for overall well-being and can help us live longer, healthier lives.
Short play on the importance of good oral hygiene was enacted by the students. Short speech on mental health awareness was given by clinical psychologist, Neilasenuo Jane Yhome.
During the programme, the medical officials demonstrated the technique of brushing and oral health pledge was administered to the participants. A total of 230 students and 20 teaching staffs participate in the programme. Free toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed.
PHEK
Phek: Phek District National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) observed World Oral Health Day on March 20, on the theme ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life’, at Christian Home School, Phek Town, with senior dental surgeon, District Hospital, Dr Kihito as the theme Speaker.
Dr Kihito dwelled on the oral hygiene practices and tips for healthy, which included brush regularly, balanced diet, and visiting dentist regularly and avoid tobacco, etc.
He also emphasized on the importance of preserving our teeth by avoid eating sweets & carbonate drinks.
NOHP later distributed tooth brush, tooth paste and leaflets on oral health to all students and teachers.