Dimapur/ Kohima, March 20 (EMN): Various activities including awareness and dental camps, painting and essay writing competitions marked the World Oral Health Day held across different district headquarters in Nagaland on March 20 on the theme ‘Be proud of your mouth.’ World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20 to focus on highlighting the benefits of good oral health and spread awareness about oral diseases and promote maintenance of oral hygiene.
Kohima: Commemorating the World Oral Health Day, the directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW), Kohima, organised a programme in its conference hall on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, the director Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao urged to take pride of one’s mouth and also take care as it is the entry point of everything into the body, an update from the department stated.
Also speaking at the programme, the deputy director and state nodal officer (SNO) of National Oral Health Programme (NOHP, Dr. Meribeni stated that good oral health always contributes to overall general health.
Terming oral disease as a silent epidemic affecting a large section of the population, she encouraged to inculcate good oral hygiene practice saying oral diseases are preventable.
On the occasion, the principal director’s commendation certificate for outstanding service 2021 was awarded to Dr. Neiphriezo Sorunuo, junior dental surgeon of CHC Aboi. The award was conferred on him for ‘Outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty’.
The joint director and state nodal officer of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Dr. C Tetseo, elaborating on the principal director’s commendation certificate, stated that starting from 2021, dental surgeons rendering outstanding service would be recognised by the department.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto unit of the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) observed the World Oral Health Day by organising a free dental camp at Kulhoupu village on March 20.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Esther Chophy, dental surgeon from District Hospital, Zunheboto, highlighted the importance of dental, oral health and hygiene. She also encouraged the community to value the mouth and take care saying good oral health could help live a longer and healthier life.
Dr. Akaholi V Zhimo demonstrated the technique of brushing.
Dr. Loni Chishi, dental surgeon from District Hospital, chaired the programme, while the invocation prayer was said by Aotoli Awomi, women leader. Short speech was delivered by the village council chairman Samuel Zhimo and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Tohito Kinimi.
Altogether, 50 persons have benefitted from the free camp. Toothbrushes and medicines were distributed to the participants.
Wokha: Wokha district observed the World Oral Health Day by organising programmes at Santsuo School and Isaiah Ability School on March 20.
At Santsuo School, Dr. Daisy Ovung, senior dental surgeon and DNO NTCP, urged the students to maintain proper oral hygiene and go for regular dental check up. She encouraged them to avoid food items with high sugar content and brush regularly after every meal.
Dr. Wochamo, junior dental surgeon, demonstrated on teeth brushing to students at Isaiah Ability School.
More than 400 toothpastes were distributed to the students and painting competitions with cash prizes were organised on the theme.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung district observed the World Oral Health Day in the conference hall of the chief medical officer’s (CMO) office on March 20.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy CMO Dr. Kibangkumba stated that oral health is an integral part of one’s health. He also insisted on promoting awareness about oral health, the importance of oral hygiene and the preventive measures. He further appealed to the participants to abstain from bad habits to avoid risk factors.
Dr. Sentirenla Jamir, junior dental surgeon, highlighted the significance of the day and the aim to promote awareness about oral health.
To mark the occasion, a painting competition for students from different schools was organised and the winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates. Limasangba, district education officer, gave away prizes to the winners.
Phek: District Hospital (DH), Phek, and the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Phek, observed the World Oral Health Day in the conference hall of the District Hospital on March 20. The day was also observed in all the community health centres (CHC) across the district to spread awareness on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene.
Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, senior dental surgeon of DH, Phek, spoke on the importance of oral health stating that oral disease affects nearly 3.5 billion people. He added that tooth decay is the most common health condition in the world caused by unhealthy diets.
He also emphasised on the importance of consuming a low sugar diet as eating excessive amounts of sugar from drinks, snacks and processed foods not only cause tooth decay but also contributes to obesity and increases the risk of diabetes. He also stressed on the importance of regular check-up, practice good oral hygiene routine, brushing techniques and time etc.
Videos on brushing techniques and using correct ways of floss were also shown to the participants. The participants were given toothbrush and toothpaste to remind the participants of the importance of brushing teeth regularly.
Mon: Activities such as awareness session, painting and essay writing competitions marked the World Oral Health Day in Mon held at St John’s School, Mon.
The team was led by Dr. I Simon Sumi, district oral health officer; Dr. Neingutonuo, junior dental specialist; and Dr. Imtimenla, junior dental surgeon.
During an awareness session, Dr. Neingutonuo made a powerpoint presentation in minute details on oral health, causes of oral diseases, different types of diseases, problems causing poor oral health, prevention and important points to keep the mouth healthy.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Simon and a prayer by the school’s principal Josh Thomas.
Kiphire: Community Health Centre (CHC), Pungro, in Kiphire district observed World Oral Health Day at Christian School, Pungro, on March 20. The medical team from the CHC led by Dr. Weri Mero, dental surgeon, celebrated the occasion by distributing toothpastes and toothbrushes to the students and teachers of the school.
The team also demonstrated the techniques to brush teeth. To mark the occasion, extraction and temporary fillings were carried out, while fluoride applications were also done.
NOHP: Commemorating the World Oral Health Day, Kohima unit of the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) conducted various activities throughout the week.
An update from the unit stated that talks on oral health awareness was organised at Government Middle School at Meriema, Government High School at Merhülietsa, and Government High School at New Market. The speakers were Dr. Kediphruonuo Shüya, Dr. Mezhülenuo Dzüvichü and Dr. Kemezhünuo Shüya.
It stated that toothbrushes and oral healthcare posters were distributed to all the students.
On March 20, a programme was held at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) in which speeches were delivered by NHAK managing director Dr. Thorhusie Katiry and Dr. Kediphruonuo Shüya.
