Pepsodent, NDA and FMOH Launch 'Do The 2' Campaign for 2026 World Oral Health Day

Pepsodent, in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), has launched the 2026 World Oral Health Day campaign themed “Do The 2”. The initiative encourages Nigerians to brush twice daily,morning and night,and visit the dentist at least twice a year to build lifelong oral health habits.

Campaign Overview

The campaign targets 500,000 Nigerians through schools, markets, neighbourhood activations and dental camps across major cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano. It involves 50 schools, World Oral Health Day activations led by the NDA in 17 chapters, and dental camps providing oral examinations, scaling, polishing and referrals. See related Abuja health initiatives.

Pepsodent Brand Manager Lauretta Amie explained: “The campaign aims to inspire a conscious fight against oral health challenges by encouraging people to brush twice a day,morning and night. Brushing the teeth once a day is not enough, it leaves the teeth exposed to bacteria overnight, thereby increasing the risk of cavities, plaque build-up, gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay.”

She added that night-time brushing removes food particles and sugar acids accumulated during the day, offering protection when paired with a morning routine.

Keynote Insights from Unilever

Unilever Personal Care Research and Development Head of Africa, Nwakamma Uchenna, delivered the keynote address: “Prevention is the most effective strategy against oral health challenges because poor dental hygiene can lead to various complications like gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.”

Uchenna highlighted partnerships with the NDA, noting that programs have reached over 700,000 Nigerians in five years. In 2025, consumers in 20 states participated. The Pepsodent Schools Program has reached 11,803,774 pupils, teaching proper brushing techniques. With a ratio of 57,000 people to one dentist, such partnerships are essential, akin to broader health progress in Nigeria.

Government and NDA Perspectives

Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Head of Dentistry at the FMOH, stated: “Oral health is integral to overall health and well-being, as it is always said that ‘the mouth is a gateway to the body’. Dental caries, gum disease, and oral cancers affect millions, often leading to pain, reduced productivity, and diminished quality of life. Yet, with proper awareness, preventive care, and access to affordable treatment like GIFSHIP, these burdens can be significantly reduced.”

NDA President Dr. Elias Emedom Martins emphasized: “Oral health is not only about healthy clean teeth and gums but also about how oral health affects our ability to perform the task of eating, speech, learn, work and relate with others. Oral diseases can be prevented through simple daily habits like twice daily tooth brushing, flossing, proper tooth brushing techniques, regular dental check-ups, and avoidance of poor oral habits.”

He noted challenges including poor awareness, inadequate resources and economic factors.

Community Activations

The campaign includes school engagement with brushing demonstrations, product sampling and free dental screenings; NDA-led activations in markets, schools and neighbourhoods across 17 chapters; and dental camps in five locations in Oyo State via NDA state chapters. These efforts prioritize awareness, early detection and community engagement for preventive oral healthcare.