The Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has advocated for thorough oral hygiene among families saying it is not just the only way to prevent dental caries and gum diseases but also to reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.
The Executive Director, CSHEEH, Dr Folasade Olusola Momoh, stated this during a program to mark 2024 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday which was held at the Pilot Science Primary School Gwagwalada, Abuja. The WOHD is celebrated every year on March 20 to spread awareness around oral health and its intricate link with the overall health and this year’s theme is “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”.
According to Olusola Momoh, the event was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) FCT Chapter with the support of Unilever and Petra Digital Press to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to adopt and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
“I am indeed very delighted to welcome you all on behalf of our NGO’s Board of Trustees to today’s event put together by our NGO, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), to mark the 2024 World Oral Health Day in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) FCT Chapter with the support of Unilever and Petra Digital Press.
“The World Oral Health Day is a global event marked on March 20 every year to create awareness on the issues of oral health and the importance of oral hygiene. While also empowering people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to adopt and maintain good oral hygiene practices
“The theme for this year’s World Oral Health Day is “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”. This theme explains the connection between oral health and the overall well-being of the body. Hence the a need to adopt good oral hygiene practices to avoid falling sick.
“It is a known fact that oral health contributes to our overall well-being and the journey towards good health begins from a clean mouth. So, to enjoy a healthier and happier life, we all must make oral health a priority! How? 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.
“Our coming here today to mark the World Oral Health Day in your school is to provide you with the opportunity to receive adequate information on oral health as we have a group of dental experts who will be giving you a health talk on Oral Health while also demonstrating to you practical ways to effectively brush your teeth and all the things you need to do and things to avoid to practice and maintain good oral hygiene for the overall well-being of your bodies because maintaining good health as pupils is also essential for good academic performance.
“It is hoped that the knowledge you will gain from today’s Oral Health Awareness Programme will empower you to go back to your homes and communities to share the information you have received with your families and friends. So that together we can make oral health a priority for our overall well-being. Together, Let’s make Oral Health a priority and we shall also continue to work together to promote the health of these young one, Our Future,” Olusola Momoh told Tribune Online.
The Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Alhassan Sule, commended the organisers for coming up with a program that not only educates the students but also enlightens and guides them on the importance of oral hygiene.
The UBEB boss, who was represented by Mr Baba Aboki, Deputy Director, School Health & Sports, FCT, UBEB said “I want to commend the organisers, CSHEEH and partners, for coming up with this laudable program which not only educate the students but also enlighten and guide them on the importance of oral hygiene. I believe they have learnt a lot from this event.”
The head teacher, Pilot Science Primary School Gwagwalada, Abuja, Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, said the school was honoured to be selected by the organisers for the sensitization program.
