By Victor Okoye
Abuja, March 19, 2025 (NAN) An NGO known as Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has harped on the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth for one’s overall oral health and mental well-being.
Dr Folasade Momoh, the Executive Director, CSHEEH, said that a healthy mouth always helps one feel positive and boost one’s confidence.
Momoh made the remarks on Wednesday during an event in commemoration of the 2025 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) at the Noble Stride Academy, Sokale in Dutse, Abuja.
The event, which was organised by CSHEEH, was in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, FCT Chapter.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WOHD is a global event observed on March 20 every year to create awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy teeth andgums.
The theme for this year is “A Happy Mouth is A Happy Mind.
The 2025 WOHD Campaign marks the second year of the 2024-2026 campaign tagged “A HAPPY MOUTH IS..”.
Momoh noted that the three- year campaign aimed to inspire lasting and positive change by educating people onthe crucial role a healthy mouth plays in their lives.
“Last year, 2024 marked the beginning, that is, the first year of the three-year campaign, and the theme was “A HAPPY MOUTH IS A HAPPY BODY.
“It highlighted the strong connection between oralhealth and general health or overall wellbeing.
“This year, 2025, happens to be the second year into this three-year campaign, and the theme is “A HAPPY MOUTH IS A HAPPY MIND,” she said.
She noted that this year’s campaign aimed to raise awareness on how poor oral health can negatively impact quality of life.
She said it was also geared towards highlighting the importance of a healthy mouth for mental well-being and how maintaining a healthy mouth can contribute to overall happiness.
“This is because your mouth, body, and mind are all interconnected and caring for your teeth, and gums can significantly improve your overall well-being.
“It is a well-known fact that a healthy mouth can boost your positivity, self-esteem, and confidence, and this will ultimately enhance your quality of life.
“However, if oral hygiene is neglected, it will result in poor oral heath, which will make it difficult for a person to socialise, limit one’s choices of food, cause stress and anxiety – all of which are essential for a happy mind,” she said.
She noted that CSHEEH as an NGO has been working with young people in schools and communities within the FCT over a decade to promote their health.
“We are here today in your school as we join the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 WOHD, in partnership with the team of experts from the Nigerian Dental Association -FCT Chapter.
“Our team is here to encourage everyone to cultivate small daily habits that will promote oral health as this plays a vital role in our overall well-being and not just the mouth.
“Poor oral hygiene can lead to conditions like cavties, gum disease, and tooth loss, which may affect one’s confidence, social interactions, and overall mental health.
“Also, failing to seek treatment on any dental issues may bring about discomfort causing stress, anxiety, all of which can affect a person’s quality of life,” she said.
Vice Chairman, Nigerian Dental Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Ogunsaya Ayomide, who represented the Chairman, Dr Theophilus Agho at the event said, oral health was the gateway to the human body.
“If there is any problem with oral health, it will definitely affect the whole body system.
“It also affects the mental state of not only the children, but even adults, as you lose confidence to speak in front of people.
“Alot of people have come to me complaining about halitosis (bad breath), most times, some of these cases have to do with simple proper and daily brushing habits.
“This is why we decided to partner with CSHEEH to come and educate both the pupils and adults alike on the need to ensure that they inculcate these simple oral health tips and cultivate these early habits,” he said.
NAN also reports that as part of the activities marking this year’s WOHD, the foundation also conducted a sensitization and awareness session on Oral Health.
The session also included a practical demonstration on how to properly brush the teeth, and a free dental check on all the pupils and staff.
They were also given free toothbrushes andtoothpastes, as well as book marks containing information on oral health tips, which would continue to serve as a reminder to them.
The pupils also had the opportunity to express their happiness through a musical video as they joined Toothie and others across the globe in celebrating this year’s WOHD.(NAN)
