Awareness programmes, competitions mark World Oral Health Day across the state

Dimapur: World Oral Health Day 2023 was held across the state on the theme “Be Proud of your Mouth” on Monday.

District hospitals and schools celebrated the day by organising awareness programmes and competitions in the villages and schools within the districts.

Mokokchung: Along with the rest of the world, National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Mokokchung observed World Oral Health Day at Government Middle School Kumlong, Mokokchung on Monday.

Presenting a health talk on the occasion Dr.Sentirenla, Dental Surgeon, IMDH Mokokchung, stressed on the importance of oral health as “the window to overall health”. She expressed the importance of oral hygiene, the ill effects of its negligence and the ill effect of tobacco use on oral health. She demonstrated to the students the proper tooth brushing steps as a way towards maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Free oral hygiene kits (comprising a toothbrush and toothpaste) were also distributed to the students on the occasion.

Marking the occasion, an essay writing competition as well as painting competition was held at the school. In the essay writing competition, first prize was awarded to Pukhio of class 8; Nokgen of class 6 won the second prize and consolation prizes were awarded to Chongkoi of class 8 and Chongkimang of class 6. For painting, first prize was awarded to Therali Kikon of class 4, second to Tsuyeh of class 5 and consolation prizes were awarded to Chulem of class 5 and Bangmai of class 5.

Mon:  The day was celebrated by organising quiz and painting competitions at Model School and GPS Mon Town B schools led by Dr. Neingutunuo, Jr. dental specialist DH Mon and Dr. Amen, Jr. dental surgeon, DH Mon. Dr Neingutunuo explained to the students what is oral health and hygiene, causes of oral diseases and the problems that could be caused through poor oral health. Toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed to all the participants.

Wokha: World Oral Health Day was celebrated at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Chukitong, Wokha. The programme was organised by the Dental Health Unit of Dr. Mostuo Memorial District Hospital under National  Oral Health Programme. Poster-making competition based on the theme was held to create awareness regarding oral health among the JNV students.

The students participated actively, and the best 16 posters were given prizes.

Dr. Daisy Ovung and Dr Mhayani Jami were the resource persons for the programme.

The importance of oral health and prevention of oral health diseases, and good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash were emphasised. In addition, a routine dental check-up every six months and cleaning are essential for good oral health, it stated.

The topic of tobacco control was also highlighted, as tobacco use is the leading cause of oral diseases and oral cancer. IEC materials on oral health were distributed among the students and staff.

The team also visited Government Primary School and Government Higher Secondary School  Chukitong and conducted awareness activities on oral health and tobacco control. The team distributed tooth brushes among the students where a tobacco-free school certificate was also presented.

Chedema (Kohima): Dr. Theyiephrezo Khimiao, Director Dental (DH&FW) encouraged the school children 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 his support to make oral health awareness a success. A total of 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.

Dimapur: World Oral Health Day 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 risks such as use of tobacco and tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, eating sugary food etc. To mark the occasion, a total of 856 pairs of toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed to the students, teachers, and staff of St. Anthony’s School.