A health expert, Dr Folasade Momoh, says oral healthcare is a key indicator to the overall well-being and quality of life of every human being.

Ms Momoh, who is the Executive Director, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene, a non-governmental organisation, made the remarks on Friday in Abuja.

She spoke during a sensitisation programme at Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada, Abuja, to mark the 2024 World Oral Health Day here she emphasised the need for good oral health and hygiene.

The theme for this year’s World Oral Health day is “A happy mouth is a happy body.’’

The day is annually marked on March 20 to raise awareness about oral health and hygiene, mouth diseases, as well as care and treatment options.

Ms 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 to avoid falling sick.

She said it is a known fact that oral health contributes to overall well-being “and the journey toward good health begins from a clean mouth.

She added, “So, to enjoy a healthier and happier life, we all must make oral health a priority by brushing our teeth daily (at least twice), and maintaining good 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 that the objective of coming to the school to mark the World Oral Health Day was to afford pupils the opportunity to receive adequate information on oral health, essential for good academic performance.

She thanked FCT UBEB for giving CSHEEH the approval to use the school.

The Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr Alhassan Sule, represented by Deputy Director, School Health and Sports, Baba Aboki, also thanked CSHEEH for the sensitistion.

He called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to promote oral health and hygiene.

The Head Teacher of the school, Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, said that the importance of oral health and hygiene among children of school age cannot be overemphasized.

He said, “What is being demonstrated here today, if put into actions, would help to save thousands of children.’’

Highlights of the event were presentations by dental experts 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 (toothbrushes and toothpastes) to enable them practise and maintain what they were taught.

(NAN)