Latest news with #Dentists
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colgate's Oral Health Movement - 4.5 Million Screened, Interesting Insights Uncovered, Drives Dental Visits Across India
Colgate's Oral Health Movement reveals India's Oral Health Score as 2.6 out of 5, signalling the need for prioritization of Oral Care in the country 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: Photo: View original content to download multimedia:
Japan Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Times
Dentists pass Japan-style oral health care to children in Vietnam
Dentists from Aichi Prefecture are working in Vietnam on an initiative to introduce the Japanese system of conducting dental checkups in school to help solve the high rate of tooth decay among children in the country. As well as visiting schools to conduct checkups to prevent cavities, the dentists teach Vietnamese dental students how to give children instructions on oral hygiene. Five years after the project was launched, oral health awareness is growing in the nation, with more children going to the dentist. One day in late March, children at Luong The Vinh Elementary School in the city of Tra Vinh in southern Vietnam's Tra Vinh province were getting a dental checkup. Students of Tra Vinh University's Faculty of Dentistry looked in their mouths to check for cavities or gum disease and wrote down the checkup results on a sheet. 'I don't like brushing my teeth very much, but I'm doing my best,' said Phuc, 8, a second grader who went through the checkup. There are no programs for regular dental checkups for children growing up in Vietnam, and awareness of cavity prevention and overall oral care is said to be low. Surveys show nearly 90% of elementary school students in the country have tooth decay, higher than the 30% among those in Japan. Attempts to introduce Japanese-style school dental checkups started in 2020 as a five-year project at the request of the government of Tra Vinh province. The provincial government asked Nagato Natsume, 68, a professor of dentistry at Aichi Gakuin University in Aichi Prefecture, who has been offering medical support in Vietnam for more than 30 years, for help. The Japanese Society of Oral Care, of which Natsume is a member, launched the project in response. Takayuki Kawana, a 45-year-old dentist who graduated from Aichi Gakuin University's Graduate School, is involved in the project as an executive director of Daishinkai, a medical corporation that operates dental clinics in Japan's Kanto region and in Vietnam. Kawana said he was shocked to see children rush to a penny candy shop inside the school in between classes. Many of them were buying sweets as they hadn't had breakfast, contributing to tooth decay. 'I thought it is necessary to change the mindset not only of children, but also of schools and their families,' Kawana said, recalling the time when the project first began. Local dental clinics also had little knowledge of measures to prevent tooth decay. In the project, aspiring dentists are educated on tips for practicing good oral care. Although the activities were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, dental checkups and lessons on oral care are currently conducted at all of the 17 elementary schools in the city. 'Through conducting checkups, I learned the importance of oral care and how to empathize with patients,' said Quyen, 21, a junior at Tra Vinh University's Faculty of Dentistry. The initiative is already showing a positive impact. After the project's launch, the percentage of first graders seeing a dentist rose from 57.6% to 64.9%. The rate of those feeling scared of dentists dropped from 39.9% to 29.3%. The activities are highly acknowledged in the community and the Japanese Society of Oral Care decided on extending the initiative five more years from this year. Natsume, who attended a signing ceremony for the extension held in Tra Vinh, said, 'We hope to make Tra Vinh province a model case to expand the project throughout Vietnam.' Maintaining oral hygiene also reduces the risk of viral and bacterial infections. 'By fundamentally reforming the system of dental checkups, we want to promote the health of children in Vietnam,' Kawana said. This section features topics and issues from the Chubu region covered by the Chunichi Shimbun. The original article was published April 23.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Miami-Dade commission overrides mayor's veto, votes to end adding fluoride to tap water
The Miami-Dade commission has voted to end adding fluoride to the county's tap water. Tuesday's vote overrode Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's veto of the commission's original vote that approved the removal item. The elimination of fluoride from the public water supply ignited a heated debate among officials and community members. Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who sponsored the fluoride removal item, argued that removing it from the water supply fluoride has broad scientific and public support. Florida Legislature approves ban on fluoride in water supplies Last month, both the state's House and Senate approved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Package (SB 700) which bans fluoride in water supplies in Florida. At the time, Levine Cava denounced the decision. She said a statewide ban would disregard the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors, and medical experts and would end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health. "Fluoridation is a proven, safe, cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and protect oral health for children and adults, particularly for families with limited access to dental care. No studies have shown that fluoridation at low levels is unsafe for our communities, including babies and pregnant women – in fact, it is vitally important for the health of developing teeth in infants and children," she said in a statement. Levine Cava added that a decision on whether to remove fluoride from tap water should be left to local communities to determine what is best for their residents. If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the bill into law, Florida will join Utah as the second state to ban fluoride in public water supplies. DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo support the ban. What is fluoride and what are its potential benefits? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that's found in water, soil, plants, rocks, and even air. Fluoridation has long been endorsed by major health organizations as a safe and effective method to reduce dental cavities. Still, critics argue for local choice and potential concerns about overexposure, prompting the recent legislative push. South Florida dentist Dr. Karen Sierra emphasized fluoride's benefits for dental health. "One of the main things that fluoridation in our city water has helped with is preventing cavities," Sierra said. "Fluoride strengthens the enamel and makes it much more resistant to decay in children and adults."
