The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to oral healthcare, with plans to reach at least three million Nigerians through expanded services and awareness campaigns, as the country marked World Oral Health Day 2026.

Speaking during a commemorative event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said oral diseases remain a serious but often overlooked threat to national development.

Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, the minister warned that poor oral health has far-reaching consequences, affecting children’s growth, adult productivity, and overall national progress.

He described the 2026 theme, “A happy mouth is a happy life,” as a call to action for Nigerians to adopt preventive oral health practices, stressing the importance of daily hygiene and routine dental care.

Salako disclosed that the government has begun integrating oral healthcare into primary healthcare systems to improve access, particularly in underserved communities. He added that community health workers are being trained to identify and refer severe conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate.

The minister also highlighted ongoing collaborations with partners including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières to address neglected oral diseases.

Commending the Nigerian Dental Association, he noted that its outreach programmes have already reached over 2.4 million Nigerians, with a new target of three million people this year.

He further announced a partnership with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers and promote oral health education in schools and communities.

Salako emphasised that preventing oral diseases requires collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reduce sugar intake, avoid tobacco, and seek regular dental care.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Dental Services, Dr Gloria Uzoigwe, said most oral diseases are preventable but often neglected until they become severe.

In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr Uchenna Ekwenibe, stressed that oral health is essential to overall quality of life and urged young people to adopt proper hygiene practices.

The event featured student awareness campaigns, expert presentations, and an oratory competition, with Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerging as winner.

Oral health is increasingly recognised as a key component of public health, yet it remains under-prioritised in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. According to the World Health Organisation, oral diseases affect billions globally, with untreated dental conditions among the most prevalent health challenges.

Health experts say improving awareness, expanding access, and integrating oral healthcare into primary health systems are critical steps toward reducing the burden of preventable oral diseases in Nigeria.