Nehru Memorial Primary students lead National Toothbrushing Day with message to brush often

Nehru Memorial Primary School students celebrated National Toothbrushing Day today with health officials encouraging children to brush their teeth up to four times daily.

Head of Oral Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Jone Turagaluvu, told excited students that toothbrushing should be like taking a bath.

“If you always bath twice a day, but you bathe yourself four times a day, then maybe you have the ability to brush four times a day,” Dr Turagaluvu said during the 17th annual celebration.

“So every time you feel that your teeth is dirty and you need to clean it, please make sure you do so.”

The school was specially selected from many schools across Fiji to host this year's main celebration, organised by Colgate-Palmolive Fiji in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Ministry of Education.

Students participated in a mass tooth brushing demonstration that culminated in a simultaneous “Brush Off”, as schools nationwide joined the brushing celebration.

Marketing Manager for Colgate-Palmolive Fiji, Jyotika Devi, stressed the company's commitment to children's oral health through their "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" program.

Colgate Palmolive (Fiji) marketing manager Jyotika Devi at Nehru Primary School on July 31, 2025

Ronald Kumar

"We want every child to remember our key message: brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes, change your toothbrush every three months, and get a new one after you've been sick," she said.

The programme focused on making dental health education engaging and memorable for participating students, and provided educational opportunities about proper oral hygiene practices.

Ministry officials praised the successful long-standing partnership between private and public sectors in promoting community health initiatives.

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