Consumer goods company, Unilever has engaged children in schools around Kampala as a way of increasing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and dental hygiene among children.
In celebration of the World Oral Health day and running under the theme, ‘A Happy Mouth…. Is A Happy Mind’, Unilever organized sessions for school children at Kitante Primary School, Mbuya Church of Uganda Primary School, Buganda Road Primary School, Nakasero Primary and St Peters Nsambya Primary schools around Kampala.
“Good oral hygiene health must be taught at a young age. Children learn habits early and teaching them to brush the teeth daily and also visit dentists twice a year will protect their teeth. At Unilever, we believe in brightening lives by promoting health education,” Anthony Esylai, the head of demand creation for beauty, wellbeing and personal care at Unilever in East and West Africa.
“Science has proven that lack of good oral hygiene affects the rest of the body. Ensuring good oral hygiene is critically important in ensuring a wholesome health of a human being.”
He said they are trying to reach 400,000 school children this year, educating them on the importance of good oral hygiene.
Dr.Isaac Robert Kayondo, a dentist from Pretty Life Medical Centre in Kawempe took the children through the procedure of cleaning their teeth, insisting that many people, including adults don’t know how to brush teeth.
“Many children suffer from gingivitis( swollen gums) and periodontitis( bone infections) caused by eating too much sweets and not brushing teeth properly. The normal colour of our gums is coral pink and once you see it turn reddish, know that the gums are inflamed,” Dr.Kayondo said.
He said diagnosing these problems early is key but insisted that prevention is better.
