This annual event is organized with the main objective of improving the oral health awareness and condition around the world. Since its first implementation in 1998, it has reached out to millions of people in a lot of countries, worldwide. In 2008, 81 countries conducted the event, including key countries in Asia, like China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

A recent survey conducted by IMRB International for Colgate Palmolive India found that only 2.5% Indians visit a dentist at least once a year compared with 48% which is the global average. 67% of Indians have never gone for a dental check-up and 30% only do so when they believe they have a dental problem. Out of those that do finally seek treatment for their dental problems, 1 in 3 have to get tooth extractions as generally it is too late to do anything else.

Improving the standard of oral health in India has been the guiding principle at Colgate for years. Believing that the mouth is the gateway to good oral hygiene, Colgate has been working towards better oral health awareness in association with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) since 1976. The IDA has also been supporting Colgate in conducting the Oral Health Month since the program’s introduction in 2004.

Oral Health Month has grown phenomenally in the past five years and has emerged as a leading campaign for promoting oral hygiene awareness in India. Owing to this success, this year Colgate has earmarked two months instead of the traditional one as Oral Health Month(s), dedicated to spreading the message of oral health and hygiene. In 2009, September and October are the months in India with a mission to aim for Zero Tooth Decay.

As in the past, this year too the campaign will see intensive efforts to spread awareness regarding the need for good oral hygiene. Last year the campaign covered 200 cities with over 10,000 dentists participating to offer free dental check-ups and educating people on the importance of good oral hygiene. In addition there will be mobile vans for conducting dental check-ups in underprivileged areas across major cities and dental camps in schools spread across the country. Colgate believes that children are the true ambassadors of oral health and thus will continue with the Little Dentist Program which was introduced last year and enabled Colgate to partner with over 200 schools.

Public Dental Check-ups
Little Dentist Program
Oral Health Month in the Past
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