World Oral Health Day 2020: Nagaland dental professionals distribute free face masks, hand sanitiser

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 20 (EMN): The Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) celebrated International World Oral Health Day with a difference this year by distributing free face masks and hand sanitisers near Clock Tower in Dimapur, on March 20 amid fears of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The association also handed out leaflets containing information about oral health to create awareness on its importance.

The goodwill gesture from the association came amid the coronavirus crisis, which has affected several countries across the world. Dental professionals are among the most vulnerable people with high risk of occupational exposure to the virus.

While speaking to Eastern Mirror, the president of IDANSB, Dr. Kaketo Yepthomi, informed that they were conducting awareness the campaign in all the districts of Nagaland as well as in some sub-districts.

He said that their plan was to organise a formal programme as well as a marathon but was dropped due to the recent development- coronavirus, which doesn’t encourage public gathering. So, instead of a formal programme, they decided to conduct an awareness campaign.

Yepthomi informed that the team would be distributing free face masks, hand sanitiser and leaflets containing information on oral health care at Dimapur railways station, Chümoukedima and some market areas as well. He also acknowledged the extra assistant commissioner (EAC) of Chümoukedima and several personalities from Nagaland for helping spread its awareness campaign thought various social media platforms.

The president informed that for this campaign, the dental association members of Nagaland contributed money to give back to the society.

When asked about dental health scenario in Nagaland, he said that Nagas do not give much importance to dental health care and that it was the main reason why they came up with this campaign. He stated that many people tend to self-medicate if they have a problem with their mouth or teeth by taking painkillers or antibiotic bought from the pharmacy without consulting a doctor.

People do not understand the dangers of antibiotics, which can cause drug resistance, he lamented, adding that once the body become resistant to a particular antibiotic, during serious complications, antibiotic would not work.

“People will buy strong antibiotic from the pharmacy, resulting in the increase of antibiotic resistance,” he said and advised the people to consult doctors for medication.

Yepthomi stated that “people fail to understand that problem in the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body”. He added that what doctors say is not a ‘casual statement’ but a judgement based on science, evidence and research.

He said that if there was gum infection, gum break down or bacteria in their mouth; and if neglected for a long period, chances of heart attack or stroke would increase as the bacteria would enter the blood stream and affect the functioning of the organs.

“Over the years, the dental fraternity is trying to create and spread awareness to the public through various activities, and the level of awareness of dental health care has increased a lot but there is a need to create more awareness,” he added.

Health talks for police personnel

The Zunheboto unit of Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch organised a health talk for police personnel in view of the novel coronavirus (Covid-1) crisis.  According to a press update, the talk was held at the police station in Zunheboto town on March 20, on the theme “Unite for Mouth Health.”

Dr. Esther Ngullie, dental surgeon, District Hospital, Zunheboto, spoke on the facts and importance of oral health, saying that a “healthy mouth means a healthy body.” She also advised the gathering on basic oral care and the result of tooth decay besides motivating them to visit dentist at regular intervals.

This, she said, would help diagnose oral cancer at an early stage. She also shared about dental facilities available in the District Hospital at Zunheboto, according to the statement.

Dr. Tohito demonstrated the use of face mask at the event and free hand sanitizers, pamphlets, posters, gloves and masks were distributed to the personnel. The traffic police and public were also given free pamphlets and face masks.

Face masks given to elderly people

The Wokha unit of Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) also conducted an oral health awareness drive at Police Point in Wokha on March 20.

According to an update from DIPR, the occasion was observed as part of the World Oral Health Day on the theme “Unite for mouth health.” The programme was led by Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, district nodal officer of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Wokha.

Leaflets on oral health and the novel coronavirus were distributed to pedestrians to mark the day. About 90 face masks were distributed to the people, especially elderly people. Hand washing technique was also demonstrated to sensitise the public, it added.