By Victor Okoye
Abuja, March 22, 2024 (NAN) A health expert, Dr Folasade Momoh, says,oral health care is a key indicator to the overall well-being and quality of life of every human being.
Momoh, who is the Executive Director, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), made the remarks on Friday in Abuja.
While speaking at a sensitisation event at Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada to mark this year’s World Oral Health Day (WOHD), she emphasized the need for good oral health and hygiene.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s World Oral Health day is “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”
Momoh said that the theme explained the connection between oral health and the overall well-being of the body, hence the need to adopt good oral hygiene practices in order to avoid falling sick.
She said that it was 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? 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 cancers,” she said.
She said that the objective of coming to the school to mark the World Oral Health Day was to afford the pupils the opportunity to receive adequate information on oral health.
She stressed that maintaining good health as pupils was also essential for good academic performance .
“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,” she said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the FCT, UBEB for giving CSHEEH the approval to use the school.
“Our sincere appreciation goes to the Head Teacher, Staffs and Pupils of Pilot Science Primary School , Gwagwalada and to all our supporters; Unilever, Nigerian Dental Association (FCT Chapter), Petra Digital, to mention a few.
“We are indeed very grateful for your immense contributions towards the success of the event.
“Together, Let’s make Oral Health a priority and we shall also continue to work together to promote the health of these young ones – Our Future,” she said.
Executive Chairman, FCT UBEB, Dr Alhassan Sule, represented by Baba Aboki, Deputy Director, School Health & Sports, FCT, UBEB expressed his gratitude to CSHEEH for
He noted that the foundation had been embarking on some many projects in schools in FCT.
Sule expressed optimism that the knowledge gained by the pupils from the Oral Health Awareness Programme would empower them to share the information with their communities, as well as families and friends.
He said the issue of oral health hygiene was a collective responsibility, adding that, “together we can make oral health a priority for our overall well-being.”
“I sincerely want to thank CSHEEH for their efforts. I recall that last year they embarked on a similar sensitization programme in one of our schools in the FCT.
“We at UBEB FCT really applaud their efforts and contributions to the society,” he said.
Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf, Head Teacher, Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada said the school was very honored to be selected by CSHEEH for the sensitization programme.
He said that the importance of oral health and hygiene among children of school age can never be over emphasised.
“What is being demonstrated here today, if put into actions would help save thousands and millions of children in and out of the hospital.
“It is my earnest desire that God Almighty will grant the organisation all their heart desires to continue with their good work,” he said.
The highlights of the event was the presentation by a group of dental experts on a health talk on Oral Health and practical demonstrations on ways to effectively brush the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
A dental screening was also conducted for the pupils, while they received oral cleaning materials (i.e. tooth brushes and tooth pastes) to enable them practice and maintain what they were taught.
The pupils were also given printed bookmarks with Oral Health Tips to serve as a reminder always, even long after marking the World Oral Health Day.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
