Unilever Nigeria Plc says it is channelling an undisclosed amount of funds to the eradication of dental diseases in the country, as many Nigerians are becoming infertile because of such diseases.
The company said on Friday that its commitment to dental matters stemmed from the need to promote good oral hygiene and ensure a cavity-free Nigeria.
“A relationship exists between oral health and fertility that can result in health issues such as dental caries, gingivitis/periodontitis, and delay in getting pregnant, low /zero sperm count, miscarriages, intrauterine growth restriction (low birth weight) and premature delivery,” the Brand Manager (Pepsodent), Unilever Nigeria, Ogechukwu Anozie, said.
Anozie said that Unilever was committed to doing business in a sustainable way and improving the lives of the Nigerian people, “and that is why we have partnered the Nigerian Dental Association and other stakeholders to create awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.”
She said, “Ninety per cent of the world’s population suffer from oral diseases, and through the Pepsodent Brush Day and Night School Programme, Unilever has so far educated directly over two million Nigerian children and charged them to imbibe the culture of brushing twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste such as Pepsodent.
“We believe children are change agents. They have the will power to influence their parents, siblings and people around them positively, by telling them to adopt good oral care habits like brushing twice daily (morning and night).”
She added, “Pepsodent Triple Protection toothpaste is a big breakthrough formulation that guarantees protection against cavities, stains and bad breath which are the most prevalent oral care needs in many homes.”
Earlier this year, Unilever partnered the NDA, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to celebrate the World Oral Health Day and created awareness on issues emanating from poor oral health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a dental consultant, Dr. Olakunle Temiye, at the just concluded Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Dental Association reiterated the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, “such as brushing the teeth regularly (twice a day) with a fluoride containing toothpaste and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.”