Dental check-ups begin in 63 Chandrapur schools; 47 of 191 children at Gojoli have cavities

Dental and oral check-ups of schoolchildren have begun in Chandrapur district under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Children in a total of 63 schools in the district are to be examined. As part of the drive, a camp was held at the Shriram Adivasi Ashram School in Gojoli, where 191 children were examined.

Tooth decay was found in 47 children. Seventy-two children were advised to have scaling done. Six were advised restorative dental treatment, while three were found to have fluorosis.

The initiative is being organised jointly by the oral health cell of the District General Hospital and the Integrated Tribal Development Project. It involves the oral health cell and dental department of the District General Hospital, the dentistry department and the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Chandrapur.

The programme is running on the instructions of District Surgeon Dr Bhaskar Sonarkar and Dr Milind Kamble, Dean of the Government Medical College. It is being led by District Oral Health Officer Dr Sandeep Pipre.

At the Gojoli camp, Dr Pipre explained the importance of oral health to the children along with the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. He spoke about the structure and types of teeth, tooth decay, cleft lip and gum diseases. He also demonstrated the correct way to brush teeth.

The children were also told about the serious harmful effects of tobacco, kharra and other tobacco products on health. Awareness talks covered the impact on oral health and the possible symptoms of oral cancer.

Dental surgeons Dr Sandeep Pipre, Dr Ravindra Gedam, Dr Mrinal Bandiwar and Dr Smita Das together examined the dental and oral health of all 191 children at the camp.

Children found to have good oral health and clean teeth were felicitated by Dr Pipre and Dr Gedam. Those needing further treatment will be treated at the mobile dental van if possible. As needed, they have been referred to the district hospital in Chandrapur.