Students from the Bachelor of Oral Health and Dental Surgery raising awareness on the oral health at the launch.

The World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office reported that the Pacific region, including Fiji, has the worst rates of childhood tooth decays.

Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Head of the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Dr Osea Dukuno says this report noted it is affecting half of all Pacific children in their primary dentition.

Dr Dukuno, who was the chief guest at the launch of World Oral Health Day Week at the Dudley Intermediate School in Suva, said the 2012 National Oral Health Survey carried out in Fiji reported that more than 80% of Fijian children have untreated tooth decay.

“Untreated tooth decay causes pain and is a challenge for children to eat, speak, play, and learn comfortably. Poor oral health also leads to gum disease and tooth loss later in adulthood, further reducing people’s health and quality of life,” he said.

Chief Guest Dr. Osea Dukuno, of FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) School of Dentistry and Oral Health delivering his speech at the launch.

“The Ministry of Health & Medical Services is working together with its stakeholders and corporate partners, including the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, to empower all Fijians, including you and our children, to be responsible for their own oral health and ensure a better oral health-related quality of life,” he said.

Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Limited Country Manager Adrian Romanin, in his address to the students at the school, encouraged them to practice good oral hygiene.

“At Colgate, we believe in preventative treatment. It is about getting it right from the start. It is an investment today for your future because bacteria build up over time and cause problems over time,” he said.

“Always practice good oral hygiene; get up, brush your teeth, and smile, and that is what you’re famous for.

“We thank our partners because, without them, we would not have managed to reach as many people as possible because our intention is to reach as many people as we can, as many students as we can, and as many homes as possible.”

Dudley Intermediate School Principal Shareen Chand expressed heartfelt gratitude for the school’s selection as the host for the launch of the Oral Health Week.

“It is indeed a pleasure out of all the schools; we were chosen to be the host of the occasion, and our children are really fortunate to have this opportunity to learn from experts at FNU and Colgate for the event,” Chand said.

Third-year Bachelor of Oral Health student Simran Sharma said oral health is critical to overall health.

“The connection between our mouth and the rest of our body is something that is often ignored while discussing oral health. If left untreated, germs can enter our bloodstream through the mouth and potentially cause general health problems, such as heart problems and diabetes,” Sharma said.

“As a result, practicing proper oral hygiene protects our teeth and improves our general health.”