Oral Health Education Begins at a Young Age

Parents and communities have been urged to instill daily oral hygiene habits in children as part of a long-term strategy to improve the nation’s dental health.

Colgate-Palmolive’s marketing manager for Fiji and the Pacific, Jyotika Devi, shared this message during the World Oral Health Day celebrations in Suva yesterday.

“If you begin oral health education at a younger age, it’s more likely that the future will be brighter and healthier,” she said.

Ms Devi said that according to Ministry of Health statistics, Fiji had a high incidence of oral health issues, which drives the company’s community outreach efforts.

“We also provide oral health education materials to children, teachers, and dental professionals so they can carry out this programme,” she said.

She revealed that Colgate-Palmolive Fiji plans to strengthen their education initiatives and expand their reach.

“We wish to continue to allocate resources to this programme because it’s not going to end now, and we hope to reach more and more people every day,” she said.

Dudley school celebrates

Students at Dudley Intermediate School in Toorak, Suva, received valuable oral health education during the celebration.

Colgate-Palmolive Fiji partnered with the Fiji National University (FNU) to lead the celebrations, highlighting this year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind.”

The event featured interactive activities, including toothbrushing demonstrations, games, quizzes, and the distribution of free oral hygiene kits to students.

FNU’s School of Dentistry and Oral Health head Dr Osea Dukuno, stressed the significance of the day.

“World Oral Health Day is designated by the World Dental Federation. This year’s theme focuses not only on gums and teeth but also on the importance of oral health for overall well-being,” he said.

Dr Dukuno said FNU played a crucial role in enhancing dental health education.

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