WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY: Group Donates Dental Care Kits

By: Prudence Okonna & Fatima Usman

To create awareness on the issues of oral health and the importance of oral hygiene, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has screened the pupils of Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The dental screening was provided by CSHEEH to the pupils and every community member of the school to help them check the state of their oral health as well as supply them with care kits to maintain their dental hygiene.

The Executive Director, CSHEEH, Dr. Folashade Momoh, who spoke at the occasion, said the reason for the visit is to commemorate the World Oral Health Day by creating awareness and educate the school community, especially the pupils on oral hygiene.

According to her, this practice is often neglected because it is regarded as insignificant; adding that oral health must be prioritized.

Her words: “To enjoy a healthier and happier life, we all must make oral health a priority, by brushing your teeth daily (at least twice) and maintaining good oral hygiene- not just to prevent dental caries and gum diseases, but also to reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer”.

Riding on the theme for the 2024 World Oral Health Day, “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”, she explained that the extent to which the mouth is taken care of determines the wellbeing of the entire body.

Dr. Momoh assured that as part of CSHEEH’s support, everyone who has been identified with any oral health challenge will be provided further treatment and management by experts in a medical facility.

She appreciated the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) for the approval to visit the school as well as the FCT Public Health Department, Nigeria Dental Association (FCT Chapter) and Unilever for their support and contributions.

Also speaking, the Head Teacher of Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada, Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf thanked CSHEEH and partners for screening the pupils and providing care kits, which will go a long way to help the pupils understand the basics of oral hygiene.

The Consultant Restorative Dentist from the University Of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Ajayi Olusanya, on his part said that prevention is cheaper, hence everyone should check themselves regularly.

Meanwhile, a Primary Six Pupil, Mary Innocent, expressed her gratitude to the CSHEEH team for coming to her school; noting that she has learnt a better way to brush her teeth and keep her teeth healthy.

Abuja Digest reports that the World Oral Health Day is commemorated annually to promote oral health and good hygiene.

Abuja Digest also reports that the campaign is aimed at creating global awareness targeted at meeting up with the Universal Health Coverage by 2030.