The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes to improve and promote oral healthcare services across the country.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, made this known at an event marking World Oral Health Day in Abuja, themed “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.” He noted that oral diseases significantly affect children’s growth, adult productivity, and overall national development.

Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Abisola Adegoke, the minister emphasised the importance of simple daily oral hygiene practices and their impact on general well-being. He said the government has begun integrating oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, expanding access to affordable dental care, and promoting preventive measures at the community level.

“We have integrated oral healthcare into our primary healthcare services, expanded access to affordable dental care, and are providing education, prevention and basic care closer to communities,” he said.

Salako disclosed that community health workers are now being trained to identify and refer severe oral conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate. At the same time, school-based programmes and outreach initiatives are being implemented to promote healthy habits among children.

He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with partners, including the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Noma AIDs Nigeria Initiative, to address neglected oral diseases.

The minister commended the Nigerian Dental Association for its outreach efforts, which have reached over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that the government aims to reach three million people this year with oral health education and services.

Salako further revealed that the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on basic oral healthcare and support school-based education programmes.

He stressed that improving oral health is a shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco use, and making regular dental visits.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Gloria Uzoigwe, said the event highlights the importance of oral health as part of overall wellbeing, noting that many preventable oral diseases are often neglected until they become severe.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr Uchenna Ekwenibe, said the theme serves as a reminder that oral care goes beyond disease prevention to improving quality of life.