GDCH, Mumbai: Integrating Oral Health into Maternal and Child Care—Oral Health Promotion at Cama & Albless Hospital

GDCH, MUMBAI: INTEGRATING ORAL HEALTH INTO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE- ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN AT CAMA & ALBLESS HOSPITAL

Duration: 20 March 2026 – 20 April 2026
Venue: Cama and Albless Hospital, Mumbai

Rationale:

Oral health is an integral component of overall health, particularly during critical life stages such as pregnancy and early childhood. Despite its importance, oral health is often overlooked within routine maternal and child healthcare services. In alignment with the global theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life,” the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted a month-long Oral Health Promotion Campaign at Cama & Albless Hospital, Mumbai. This initiative focused on integrating oral healthcare into maternal and child health services, recognizing the critical role of oral health in overall well-being, especially among pregnant women, children, and caregivers.

Objectives

• To promote oral health awareness among antenatal and paediatric patients 
• To emphasize the importance of oral health during pregnancy 
• To encourage early childhood oral hygiene practices 
• To facilitate early detection of oral diseases 
• To integrate oral health education within routine hospital services 

Target Population

• Antenatal mothers attending the Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGY) Department 
• Children and caregivers attending Pediatric OPD 
• General patients and attendants visiting the hospital 

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Education in OBGY Department

Focused sessions were conducted for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics covering the following key areas:

• Importance of oral health during pregnancy 
• Hormonal changes and their impact on gums 
• Prevention of pregnancy gingivitis and dental infections 
• Safe dental practices during pregnancy 
• Diet counselling for maternal and fetal oral health 

2. Pediatric OPD Oral Health Promotion

Oral health education was provided to children and their caregivers in the Pediatrics OPD covering the following key components:

• Age-appropriate brushing techniques 
• Importance of primary teeth and early dental visits 
• Prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) 
• Dietary counselling to reduce sugar exposure 

3. Patient Education for General OPD Attendees

Oral health awareness activities were extended to general patients and attendants visiting the hospital focusing on:

• Basic oral hygiene practices 
• Importance of regular dental check-ups 
• Awareness about oral diseases and prevention 
• Harmful effects of tobacco use 

4. Chairside Counselling and Demonstrations

• Demonstration of proper brushing techniques 
• Use of visual aids and models for better understanding 
• Individual counselling tailored to patient needs 

This initiative highlighted the importance of embedding oral health within primary healthcare systems, especially in maternal and child health services. By utilizing a hospital-based platform, the campaign ensured consistent, repeated exposure to oral health education, leading to better awareness and long-term impact.

Conclusion

The Oral Health Promotion Campaign at Cama & Albless Hospital stands as a significant step towards integrated healthcare delivery, emphasizing that oral health is an essential component of overall health. Through sustained efforts, the Department of Public Health Dentistry continues to advance its mission of: “Reaching Every Smile - From Mothers to Children.”