GDCH, Mumbai: Strong Teeth Begin with Smart Habits – Early Childhood Oral Health Promotion Camp

Date: 07/01/2026
 

Venue: ICDS Anganwadi No. 191/194, Sahyadri Nagar, LBS Marg, Near Quarry Road, Bhandup West, Mumbai – 400078
 

Activity Title
GDCH, Mumbai:Strong Teeth Begin with Smart Habits – Early Childhood Oral Health Promotion Camp

The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai conducted an Early Childhood Oral Health Education and Screening Camp on 07 January 2026 at ICDS Anganwadi No. 191/194, Bhandup West, as part of the World Oral Health Day 2026 campaign themed “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.”

Target Population:

Anganwadi children and their caregivers

Number of Beneficiaries:

120 Anganwadi children and their caregivers

Activities Conducted:

1. Interactive Oral Health Education 
2. Oral Health Screening

Rationale

Early childhood is a crucial stage for developing lifelong health behaviours. Poor oral hygiene practices, frequent consumption of sugary foods, and lack of early dental awareness may lead to dental caries at a young age, affecting children’s nutrition, growth, and overall well-being. Recognizing the importance of early preventive education, the Department of Public Health Dentistry organized this outreach initiative to instill healthy oral hygiene habits among children while educating caregivers and Anganwadi workers about preventive oral health practices.

Objectives

The program aimed to introduce young children to basic oral hygiene habits, raise awareness among caregivers about the importance of early oral health care, identify dental problems at an early stage through screening, and encourage timely dental consultation for children requiring treatment.

Activities Conducted

The camp was designed to make oral health learning interactive, engaging, and age-appropriate for young children.

1. Interactive Oral Health Education

A lively educational session was conducted using simple demonstrations and child-friendly communication methods to explain:

• Importance of brushing teeth every day
• Demonstration of correct tooth-brushing technique
• Choosing healthy foods that help keep teeth strong
• Avoiding excessive sugary snacks and drinks

Children participated enthusiastically in the demonstration, making the session both enjoyable and educational.

2. Oral Health Screening

A systematic oral examination of 120 children was carried out by the dental team to assess:

• Dental caries
• Oral hygiene status
• Early signs of gum problems
• Other dental concerns requiring attention

Children requiring further care were referred to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai for appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Impact

The outreach initiative successfully reached 120 Anganwadi children, creating awareness about the importance of oral hygiene from an early age. The engaging educational activities helped children understand basic oral care practices, while caregivers gained valuable knowledge regarding preventive dental care and healthy dietary habits. Early screening facilitated the identification of dental problems at an initial stage, enabling timely referral and guidance for treatment.

Conclusion

The “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” initiative highlighted the significance of promoting oral health awareness and preventive practices during early childhood. By integrating engaging educational activities with oral health screening, the program motivated both children and caregivers to develop positive oral hygiene behaviors that contribute to long-term oral and overall health.