In a bid to improve oral health among Ugandan children, Unilever, through its Pepsodent brand, has launched a nationwide campaign to educate 400,000 children on the importance of proper oral hygiene.
The initiative, which kicked off at Kitante Primary School on World Oral Health Day, aims to instill healthy habits from a young age under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Mind!”
Speaking at the event, Anthony Esyalai, Head of Demand Creation for Beauty and Well-being and Personal Care for Unilever in East and West Africa, emphasized the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being. “Good oral health is a prerequisite for your wholesome health,”
Esyalai stated. “Science has proven that a lack of good oral hygiene affects the rest of your body hygiene.”
He further explained how infections such as typhoid and the flu can enter the body through the mouth, stressing that ensuring proper oral hygiene is essential for overall health.
A Nationwide Effort for Healthier Smiles
Recognizing the importance of early education, Unilever has chosen to focus on schools, rolling out the campaign across Uganda’s East, West, Central, and Northern regions.
The initiative will teach children proper brushing techniques, the importance of brushing twice a day for two minutes, regular dental visits, and the use of quality oral care products like Pepsodent toothpaste and toothbrushes.
At Kitante Primary School, the event included interactive myth-busting sessions where children learned that brushing harder does not mean cleaner teeth, that bacteria—not just sugar—cause cavities, and that bleeding gums can be a warning sign of gum disease.
Dr. Isaac Robert Kayondo, a dentist at Pretty Life Medical Centre, elaborated on common oral diseases affecting children, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
“Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum, and if left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis, which affects the bones that hold teeth in place,” he warned.
He attributed these conditions to excessive sugar consumption and inadequate parental assistance with brushing, leading to inflamed gums and early cavities.
To combat these issues, Dr. Kayondo provided practical demonstrations on proper brushing techniques. He emphasized rinsing before applying toothpaste, using gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle, and wiping downwards to remove debris.
“It is not the energy that brushes; it is the technique,” he explained. He also urged parents to assist their children with brushing, cautioning, “If you don’t take care of milk teeth, the permanent teeth will come out bad and sick.”
Free Dental Checkups and Follow-ups
Beyond education, the campaign is also offering free oral checkups and follow-up consultations for students to ensure lasting results. “We do follow-ups, we do checkups, then we do a spot diagnosis,” Dr. Kayondo confirmed.
Esyalai highlighted that this initiative aligns perfectly with Unilever’s corporate social responsibility, which focuses on improving lives.
“If you are wholesome, if you are healthy, then your life is going to be good. Your life is going to be brighter,” he stated.
A Regional Health Crisis
The campaign comes at a crucial time, as oral health remains a major challenge in Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 42% of the African population suffers from oral diseases, including dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Additionally, the African region bears the world’s highest number of noma cases, a devastating gangrenous disease of the mouth that primarily affects young children.
If left untreated, noma has an extremely high fatality rate, and survivors often suffer from severe disfigurement, stigma, and discrimination.
With World Oral Health Day 2025 serving as a critical platform to address these disparities, Uganda’s nationwide campaign is a step in the right direction—prioritizing prevention, education, and early intervention to tackle the root causes of poor oral health.
