Nagaland observes World Oral Health Day

Dimapur, March 20 (MExN): World Oral Health Day was observed across Nagaland on March 20 under the theme ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth,’ with the aim to spread the message on oral hygiene and health.

At the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Kohima, Deputy Director and State Nodal Officer (SNO) for the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) Dr Meribeni delivered the keynote address where she laid emphasis on the importance of good oral health. She said that oral disease is a silent epidemic affecting large sections of the population and underscored the need to inculcate good oral hygiene practice as most oral diseases are preventable, a press release from the NOHP informed.

During the function, Principal Director’s Commendation Certificate for outstanding service for 2021 was awarded to Dr Neiphriezo Sorünuo, a junior dental surgeon at Community Health Centre (CHC) Aboi for “Outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty.”

Elaborating on the initiatives, Joint Director and SNO for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Dr C Tetseo stated that, beginning from 2021; dental surgeons rendering outstanding service would be recognised by the department, the release stated.

Meanwhile, the Kohima unit of NHOP Kohima conducted various activities throughout the week in commemoration of World Oral Health Day. Some of the activities include oral health awareness talks at Government Middle School (GHS) Meriema, GHS Merhülietsa, and GHS New Market (Kohima).

Additionally, tooth brushes were been distributed to all the students and oral health care posters were also distributed to many schools.

On Saturday, a programme was held at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima where Managing Director Dr Thorhusie Katiry exhorted the gathering and Dr Kediphruonuo Shüya.

Aboi: The medical department at Aboi in Mon district led by Jr Dental Surgeon of CHC Aboi Dr Neiphrezo Sorünuo conducted health talks and painting and speech competitions at St John School Aboi. A press release stated that Dr Sorünuo highlighted on the importance of good oral hygiene through a PowerPoint presentation, followed by speech and painting competitions under the theme ‘Be proud of your mouth.’ Winners were awarded with framed certificates educational diaries, pens and toothpastes, the release stated.

Mokokchung: The NHOP Mokokchung unit organised a programme where Deputy Chief medical Officer Dr Kibangkumba laid emphasis on oral health as an integral part of health. He also stressed on the aim to promote awareness about oral health and hygiene and the preventive measures that can reduce the risk factor.

According to a press release from the District Programme Management Unit, NRHM, Mokokchung, a painting competition was also conducted for students from different schools and the winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates.

Mon: In the district headquarter of Mon, a team led by District Oral Health Officer Dr I Simon Sumi, Jr Dental Specialist Dr Neingutonuo, and Jr Dental Surgeon Dr Imtimenla conducted an awareness session and painting and essay competitions at St John’s School Mon.

A release from the Media Officer, Mon NHM stated that Dr Neingutonuo gave a presentation on oral health, causes of oral diseases, types of diseases, causes of poor oral health as well as prevention and important good practices on how to keep the mouth healthy.

Phek: According to a press release from Phek NHM District Media Officer, World Oral Health Day was observed at the District Hospital, Phek and all the CHCs in the district as well.

The release stated that Sr Dental Surgeon Dr Nichukholie Vupru spoke on the importance of oral health and stated that tooth decay is the most common health condition in the world caused by unhealthy diets that are high in sugar. He also emphasized on the importance of consuming low sugar diets as eating excessive amounts of sugar from drinks, snacks and processed foods not only causes tooth decay but also contributes to obesity and increases the risk of diabetes. He also stressed on the importance of regular dental checkups, practice of good oral hygiene routine, brushing techniques and time, etc.

Videos on brushing techniques and using correct way of floss were shown to the participants who were also given tooth brushes and toothpaste as a reminder to maintain good oral hygiene.

Kiphire: The medical team from CHC Pungro in Kiphire district commemorated the day at Christian School, Pungro and distributed toothpaste and toothbrushes to the students and teachers of the school. The team, led by Dental Surgeon Dr Weri Mero also demonstrated carried out procedures like extraction, temporary fillings and fluoride applications.

Wokha: At Santsuo School in Wokha, Senior Dental Surgeon and District Nodal Officer NTCP Wokha Dr Daisy Ovung interacted with the students and advised them to maintain proper oral hygiene and go for regular dental check up. She also encouraged the students to avoid food items with high intake of sugar and brush regularly after every meal. Junior Dental Surgeon Dr Wochamo held a demonstrative session on good oral hygiene practices like brushing teeth, etc., at Isaiah Ability School Wokha.

More than 400 toothpastes were distributed to students in both the schools. Painting competitions were also organized under the theme and cash prizes were given out to winners, a press release informed.

Zunheboto: The Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), Zunheboto Unit conducted a free dental camp at Kulhopu village, NHM District Media Officer Shekho Sophie informed in a press release.

A total of 50 individuals benefitted from the free camp and free toothbrushes and medicines were also distributed among the public, the release added.

On the occasion, Dental Surgeon Dr Esther Chophy highlighted on the importance of dental, oral health and hygiene and encouraged the community to practice good oral hygiene as it is beneficial for overall health. Dr Akaholi V Zhimo demonstrated the technique of brushing and other hygiene practices, the release stated.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nagaland-observes-world-oral-health-day