Nigerian Dental Association, Ogun State Chapter Hosts Dental Outreach for Schools and the Elderly in Collaboration with Solace Foundation.

As part of activities marking World Oral Health Day on March 20, the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Ogun State Chapter, in collaboration with Solace Foundation, organized a dental outreach program focused on promoting oral hygiene among schoolchildren and the elderly.

The event, held at the Olowu of Owu Kingdom Palace, Oke Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, featured oral health education, free dental check-ups, and blood pressure (BP) screenings.

Dr. Ibiyemi Oduyemi, Chairperson of the Nigerian Dental Association, Ogun State Chapter, led an interactive session with children from Abeokuta North Local Government Primary school. She educated them on proper brushing techniques, emphasizing the need to hold the toothbrush at a angle, use short, gentle strokes, and brush for at least two minutes. She also highlighted the importance of cleaning the tongue to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.

She further advised on choosing the right toothbrush, recommending soft-bristled brushes with small heads for effective cleaning while minimizing gum damage. She also emphasized the need to replace toothbrushes every three months.

On toothpaste usage, she instructed that only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used for children above six years and adults, while younger children should use a smaller, rice grain-sized smear to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion.

Following consultations with dentists, students and elderly attendees proceeded to another section for scaling and polishing procedures.

To reinforce oral hygiene habits, free sachets of Pepsodent toothpaste were distributed to the children. Additionally, physical models of teeth, gums, and the tongue were displayed to enhance their understanding of oral health practices.

The initiative is part of the NDA’s community outreach and solace foundation efforts to promote oral health awareness and preventive care among vulnerable groups and communities respectively.