Colgate's Oral Health Movement - 4.5 Million Screened, Interesting Insights Uncovered, Drives Dental Visits Across India
NEW DELHI, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has been on a mission to revolutionize India's Oral Care for over eight decades, with a deep commitment to improving the nation's Oral Health. While almost 100% of households in India are using toothpaste, the adoption of optimal Oral Care behaviour continues to present an opportunity. While nearly every Indian household uses toothpaste, the opportunity to adopt optimal oral care behavior remains significant. It's about cultivating simple, inexpensive daily habits with profound, long-term health benefits.
With 90%* of Indians facing dental issues and only 9% visiting a dentist regularly, it was imperative to start a dialogue and create meaningful action around this critical issue. To bridge the awareness gap that exists between current behaviour and ideal, Colgate launched the Oral Health Movement in November 2024 - An initiative that leveraged cutting-edge technology to empower millions of Indians, enabling them to screen their oral health from their mobile phones and access free dental check-ups through a network of 50,000 dentists in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA).*Dental camp study by Kantar in 2019
As part of the Colgate Oral Health Movement, over 4.5 million Indians screened their Oral Health across the length and breadth of the country with participation from 18,000+ pin codes covering more than 700 districts. Further, 1/6th of them visited a dentist post-screening (IDA data), thereby reflecting how the Movement successfully nudged Indians towards further action.
Additionally, the nationwide Movement has delivered actionable intelligence on India's Oral Health, highlighting key areas that require urgent attention and intervention. The findings will shape the future of Oral Care initiatives in the country.
Based on user participation in Colgate's Oral Health Movement, India's average Oral Health score is 2.6 out of 5.0.
The Oral Health Score provides a powerful, personalized insight into an individual's oral health by assessing the risk of cavities, gum issues, and stains. A common thread among Indians achieving higher oral health scores was their adherence to specific healthy practices. These included brushing teeth twice a day, moderating consumption of caffeine and sugary beverages, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, and avoiding tobacco.
Here's a glimpse of India's oral health landscape:
41% of individuals face a high risk of cavities, 44% are prone to gum issues and 14% report stains
72% of Indians are at high risk for at least one oral health concern while 4% are at the risk of all three (cavities, gum problems, teeth stains)
Only 10% of 4.5 million Indians screened, got a dental health score of 5/5
The trends also vary across age groups and regions:
More than 60% of Indians above the age of 50 are at a high risk of gum-related issues
Eastern India reported the higher incidence of tooth stains, largely linked to tobacco usage
Cavities were more common in Kerala, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, where over 50% of participants in were found at high risk
A heightened vulnerability to cavities within two key demographics: 50% of children aged 3–12 years and 72% of older adults aged over 64 years of age. These groups require particular attention and targeted preventive care
Out of the 4.5 million respondents, 24% received the lowest score of 1
To further supplement the findings and spur a discussion around the state of India's Oral Health and the path forward, Colgate also held the 'Oral Health Movement Summit' in New Delhi today, in the presence of Shri JP Nadda, Honorable Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, along with other eminent voices in the Oral Care ecosystem for an insightful discourse on India's Oral Health status.
Speaking at the Summit, Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, "For over 87 years, Colgate has proudly been India's most trusted oral care brand, built on a legacy of innovation and science. Optimal Oral Health is simple and affordable - All you need is to invest ₹2 and 2 minutes, twice a day. We recognize that oral health, though crucial, is often overlooked in overall wellness. Improving oral hygiene can also positively impact systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory infections, thus easing the burden on one's own health and the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
We acknowledge the Indian government's visionary strides in healthcare policy, from the National Oral Health Program to the National Dental Commission Act. The widespread reach and impact of programs like our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) have been instrumental in driving the near-universal penetration of Toothpaste across Indian households. We envision a future where oral health is prioritized through a concerted, policy-driven approach, ultimately opening doors to a healthier life for everyone. Our state-level Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program are already paving the way, effectively collaborating with education and healthcare departments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Assam, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. This ongoing work is effectively delivering results, demonstrating the power of collective action.
The Colgate Oral Health Movement (OHM) has also unveiled vital insights that will help inform the way forward to make Oral Care a part of India's overall healthcare agenda. We stand firm in our resolve to continue our mission by sustaining the momentum that has been created by the Oral Health Movement."
Speaking at the summit, Shri JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers said, "Colgate's Oral Health Movement in partnership with IDA has transformed oral care from a neglected concern into a national priority. The movement supports the government's National Oral Health Programme launched in 2014.
I thank Colgate-Palmolive India Limited for starting this movement and clocking over 4.5 million dental screenings. This initiative has not only raised awareness, but has truly helped integrate oral care into the public health conversations. It's a powerful example of how collaborations such as these, can drive impactful change for a healthier India."
Colgate's Oral Health Movement was brought to life with a multi-touchpoint campaign, which ensured a wide reach. Beyond an omni-channel approach to make the QR code, leading to the AI-enabled tool accessible, the company also engaged in on-ground screenings with the Indian Railways, leading corporations, retail outlets as well as at the Mahakumbh.
About Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF)
Education is absolutely vital for prevention, and our flagship Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has truly been a game-changer. In FY25 alone, BSBF reached over 8.2 million children in 25,000 schools across 11 states, actively spreading vital oral health awareness. Children learn proper brushing techniques, the importance of brushing twice daily, the need for nutritious food, and the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking.
We don't do this crucial work alone. We are grateful for our partnerships with local governments that have helped us extend our reach across the country. Additionally, we collaborate with parents, teachers, NGOs, UN bodies, dental and health professionals. By combining our expertise, we accelerate progress, ensuring prevention and good oral hygiene remain top health priorities. Since its inception in the 1970s, this impactful in-school program has reached over 185 million children and their families across India. Going forward, we're committed to reaching over 10 million children year-on-year, laying the foundation for a generation that understands and prioritizes oral health from an early age.
About Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited
Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children's oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program.
For more information about Colgate's global business and how it is building a future to smile about, visit: www.colgatepalmolive.co.in.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2717678/Colgate_Palmolive_India.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396024/5245921/Colgate_Palmolive_India_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/colgates-oral-health-movement---4-5-million-screened-interesting-insights-uncovered-drives-dental-visits-across-india-302489531.html
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
WIRED
7 hours ago
- WIRED
Feeling Hoarse? You Might Have the New ‘Stratus' Covid Variant
Jul 2, 2025 5:00 AM The World Health Organization has added the variant, known formally as XFG, to its monitoring list. A dry, irritated throat is among its main symptoms. Photograph: loops7/Getty Images Another NEW covid variant is currently rapidly gaining a foothold. Known officially as XFG—or informally as 'Stratus'—it has been declared a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organization (WHO), and is expected to circulate alongside the now dominant Nimbus variant throughout the northern hemisphere summer. The risk to public health is low, the WHO has said. Infections are characterized by a particular symptom: hoarseness. Stratus is a combination of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 lineages of the virus, and when comparing Stratus to the previously dominant JN1 variant, 'distinct mutational profiles in the spike protein can be identified,' the WHO has said. 'Spike mutations at amino acids 478 and 487 enhance antibody avoidance'—meaning, in other words, the variant may be more adept at evading our immune defenses. Stratus has been dominant in India throughout the spring, and has now started to spread at large across the world. Gisaid, a global initiative that tracks the spread of viral variants, reported that 22.7 percent of Covid samples submitted to it during the last week of May were Stratus, up from 7.4 percent four weeks earlier. These samples came from 38 different countries. Available data doesn't suggest that the variant causes more severe disease or deaths than others in circulation, though doctors in India have noted that hoarseness is a common symptom. Patients have also reported suffering a dry cough and sore throat, in addition to the more common Covid symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. 'The currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease,' the WHO stated in its risk assessment. The organization will continue to regularly assess the impact of this and other variants on the efficacy of vaccines, to guide decisions on vaccine updates. This story originally appeared on WIRED Italia and has been translated from Italian.
Bloomberg
9 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Apollo Hospitals MD on Growth Outlook, Healthtech Arm Spinoff
Apollo Hospitals Managing Director, Suneeta Reddy, says she expects to see 14% growth in company revenue in the next three years. On Bloomberg's Insight with Haslinda Amin, she also told us exclusively about prospects for their planned healthtech arm spinoff. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
"How Does This Make Us Healthy Again?": People's Jaws Are On The Floor After RFK Jr. Admitted One Of His Health Initiatives Could Be Harmful
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has touted his plan to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), which includes stances backed by questionable scientific evidence. He has spoken out against vaccines, called on states to ban fluoride, and made ableist comments about autism. Just last week, he actually let it slip that he's well aware that at least one of those initiatives could have some terrible consequences. Related: On Fox's The Faulkner Focus, news anchor Harris Faulkner asked RFK, Jr. about his stance on removing fluoride from drinking water. In particular, she questioned him about dentists' concerns that children from low-income families may not be able to get the preventative care that they'd need to protect them from tooth decay. Kennedy replied, "You know, it is an issue. It's a balance. You're gonna see probably slightly more cavities." The secretary went on to say, "Although in Europe, where they banned fluoride, they did not see an uptick in cavities. The issue is, parents need to decide because the science is very clear on fluoride. The National Toxicity Program issued a said there's a direct inverse correlation between the amount of fluoride in your water and loss of IQ." The American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement in April 2025, saying that the ADA "believes that good oral health depends on proper diet, nutrition, oral hygiene, and optimally fluoridated water. Eighty years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven to be safe and effective at reducing tooth decay to improve oral health." And not all European countries have banned fluoride in their drinking water. In May 2025, the BBC reported that some areas have naturally occurring fluoride in their water, while others choose to fluoridate their milk, salt, or bottled water. In addition, the National Toxicology Program's study that the secretary cited specifically says that "lower IQ in children" can occur with the consumption of water containing "more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter," which is twice the CDC-recommended saturation of 0.7 milligrams per liter. They added directly, "It is important to note that there were insufficient data to determine if the low fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L currently recommended for U.S. community water supplies has a negative effect on children's IQ." Related: Historically, there are cities in the US and internationally that have removed fluoride from their water supply and seen increased cavities as a result. The New York Times reported that Calgary, in Alberta, Canada, is reintroducing fluoride into its water supply after 10 years, starting just this week. They noted that "The Alberta Children's Hospital saw a stark increase in the number of children from Calgary who needed antibiotics to treat dental infections after fluoride was removed from the drinking water." Unsurprisingly, people on Reddit had some thoughts on the secretary's comments. "Could we, instead, maybe focus on banning lead in our drinking water? We'll tell him it's to reduce obesity." —Stank_Dukem "So, honestly asking says it's a balance…so what are we gaining for the increase in dental costs to the tune of $300/year average for all Americans?" —pixiegod Related: "I used to be a dental hygienist. All this will do is cause people who have no money to now have to spend it on dental, but they can't. They won't because they can't. Increasing poverty. I hate this MF." —Apprehensive_Cheek77 "For the kids and adults who don't have access to dental care for whatever reason, this is going to be devastating. It hurts nothing and helps those who need it most." —brookmachine "How does having more cavities in children's mouths make us great and healthy again?" —Impressive_Car_4222 Related: The conversation continued over on Twitter (X), with one user saying, "More cavities for kids in families who can't afford dental care." "Gonna see slightly more cavities, but luckily in exchange for that we're going to get absolutely no benefits whatsoever so I guess it's a fair tradeoff," said another. And finally, "This isn't public health. It's policy by privilege." If you'd like to watch the full clip, you can do so below. And I'd love to know: Are you concerned about the levels of fluoride in Americans' drinking water, or do you think it should be left as-is? Let us know in the comments. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
