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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Colgate's Oral Health Movement - 4.5 Million Screened, Interesting Insights Uncovered, Drives Dental Visits Across India
Colgate's Oral Health Movement reveals India's Oral Health Score as 2.6 out of 5, signalling the need for prioritization of Oral Care in the country NEW DELHI, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has been on a mission to revolutionize India's Oral Care for over eight decades, with a deep commitment to improving the nation's Oral Health. While almost 100% of households in India are using toothpaste, the adoption of optimal Oral Care behaviour continues to present an opportunity. While nearly every Indian household uses toothpaste, the opportunity to adopt optimal oral care behavior remains significant. It's about cultivating simple, inexpensive daily habits with profound, long-term health benefits. With 90%* of Indians facing dental issues and only 9% visiting a dentist regularly, it was imperative to start a dialogue and create meaningful action around this critical issue. To bridge the awareness gap that exists between current behaviour and ideal, Colgate launched the Oral Health Movement in November 2024 - An initiative that leveraged cutting-edge technology to empower millions of Indians, enabling them to screen their oral health from their mobile phones and access free dental check-ups through a network of 50,000 dentists in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA).*Dental camp study by Kantar in 2019 As part of the Colgate Oral Health Movement, over 4.5 million Indians screened their Oral Health across the length and breadth of the country with participation from 18,000+ pin codes covering more than 700 districts. Further, 1/6th of them visited a dentist post-screening (IDA data), thereby reflecting how the Movement successfully nudged Indians towards further action. Additionally, the nationwide Movement has delivered actionable intelligence on India's Oral Health, highlighting key areas that require urgent attention and intervention. The findings will shape the future of Oral Care initiatives in the country. Based on user participation in Colgate's Oral Health Movement, India's average Oral Health score is 2.6 out of 5.0. The Oral Health Score provides a powerful, personalized insight into an individual's oral health by assessing the risk of cavities, gum issues, and stains. A common thread among Indians achieving higher oral health scores was their adherence to specific healthy practices. These included brushing teeth twice a day, moderating consumption of caffeine and sugary beverages, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, and avoiding tobacco. Here's a glimpse of India's oral health landscape: 41% of individuals face a high risk of cavities, 44% are prone to gum issues and 14% report stains 72% of Indians are at high risk for at least one oral health concern while 4% are at the risk of all three (cavities, gum problems, teeth stains) Only 10% of 4.5 million Indians screened, got a dental health score of 5/5 The trends also vary across age groups and regions: More than 60% of Indians above the age of 50 are at a high risk of gum-related issues Eastern India reported the higher incidence of tooth stains, largely linked to tobacco usage Cavities were more common in Kerala, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, where over 50% of participants in were found at high risk A heightened vulnerability to cavities within two key demographics: 50% of children aged 3–12 years and 72% of older adults aged over 64 years of age. These groups require particular attention and targeted preventive care Out of the 4.5 million respondents, 24% received the lowest score of 1 To further supplement the findings and spur a discussion around the state of India's Oral Health and the path forward, Colgate also held the 'Oral Health Movement Summit' in New Delhi today, in the presence of Shri JP Nadda, Honorable Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, along with other eminent voices in the Oral Care ecosystem for an insightful discourse on India's Oral Health status. Speaking at the Summit, Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, "For over 87 years, Colgate has proudly been India's most trusted oral care brand, built on a legacy of innovation and science. Optimal Oral Health is simple and affordable - All you need is to invest ₹2 and 2 minutes, twice a day. We recognize that oral health, though crucial, is often overlooked in overall wellness. Improving oral hygiene can also positively impact systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory infections, thus easing the burden on one's own health and the nation's healthcare infrastructure. We acknowledge the Indian government's visionary strides in healthcare policy, from the National Oral Health Program to the National Dental Commission Act. The widespread reach and impact of programs like our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) have been instrumental in driving the near-universal penetration of Toothpaste across Indian households. We envision a future where oral health is prioritized through a concerted, policy-driven approach, ultimately opening doors to a healthier life for everyone. Our state-level Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program are already paving the way, effectively collaborating with education and healthcare departments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Assam, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. This ongoing work is effectively delivering results, demonstrating the power of collective action. The Colgate Oral Health Movement (OHM) has also unveiled vital insights that will help inform the way forward to make Oral Care a part of India's overall healthcare agenda. We stand firm in our resolve to continue our mission by sustaining the momentum that has been created by the Oral Health Movement." Speaking at the summit, Shri JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers said, "Colgate's Oral Health Movement in partnership with IDA has transformed oral care from a neglected concern into a national priority. The movement supports the government's National Oral Health Programme launched in 2014. I thank Colgate-Palmolive India Limited for starting this movement and clocking over 4.5 million dental screenings. This initiative has not only raised awareness, but has truly helped integrate oral care into the public health conversations. It's a powerful example of how collaborations such as these, can drive impactful change for a healthier India." Colgate's Oral Health Movement was brought to life with a multi-touchpoint campaign, which ensured a wide reach. Beyond an omni-channel approach to make the QR code, leading to the AI-enabled tool accessible, the company also engaged in on-ground screenings with the Indian Railways, leading corporations, retail outlets as well as at the Mahakumbh. About Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) Education is absolutely vital for prevention, and our flagship Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has truly been a game-changer. In FY25 alone, BSBF reached over 8.2 million children in 25,000 schools across 11 states, actively spreading vital oral health awareness. Children learn proper brushing techniques, the importance of brushing twice daily, the need for nutritious food, and the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking. We don't do this crucial work alone. We are grateful for our partnerships with local governments that have helped us extend our reach across the country. Additionally, we collaborate with parents, teachers, NGOs, UN bodies, dental and health professionals. By combining our expertise, we accelerate progress, ensuring prevention and good oral hygiene remain top health priorities. Since its inception in the 1970s, this impactful in-school program has reached over 185 million children and their families across India. Going forward, we're committed to reaching over 10 million children year-on-year, laying the foundation for a generation that understands and prioritizes oral health from an early age. About Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children's oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. For more information about Colgate's global business and how it is building a future to smile about, visit: Photo: View original content to download multimedia:


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
90% of Indians Suffer Dental Issues, but Only 9% Visit Dentists: National Survey
New Delhi: India is facing a silent oral health crisis. New national data shows that 90 per cent of the population suffers from dental problems, yet only nine per cent visit a dentist regularly. A staggering 41 per cent are at high risk for cavities, 44 per cent for gum disease, and 14 per cent for tooth staining — with 72 per cent of Indians at risk for at least one major oral health concern. The country's average oral health score stands at just 2.6 out of 5. As India advances its healthcare ambitions, oral health — long overlooked — is finally being recognised as a crucial part of preventive care. A year-long Oral Health Movement (OHM), conducted in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), screened more than 4.5 million people across 18,000+ pin codes and over 700 districts — offering one of the most comprehensive pictures of the nation's oral health to date. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, presented these findings at the Oral Health Movement Summit 2025 in New Delhi. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prabha Narasimhan spoke to ETHealthworld's Rashmi Mabiyan Kaur about the company's India-specific strategy in the digital FMCG landscape, the future of oral health, how technology and wellness intersect, and why oral care must be seen as preventive health. She also explained how the company is redefining oral care in India — from AI-powered retail precision and science-led product innovation to its mission of creating healthier generations. Q: Oral health is linked to systemic conditions. What role does your company play in India's broader health ecosystem, and which groups should be more sensitised? Yes, oral health is directly linked to systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Our role is to amplify awareness of this connection. While we don't comment on the diseases themselves, we emphasise that better oral hygiene leads to better health outcomes. Groups needing greater focus include: Diabetics, who often suffer from gum issues People over 50, who have a higher incidence of gum disease Young children, whose milk teeth determine the health of their permanent teeth It's critical to start early. Good oral habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime. So, we see our role as not just selling toothpaste, but enabling preventive health across age groups. Q: Based on your company's research, what trends are emerging in India's oral healthcare landscape, especially with snacking on the rise? While we don't yet have long-term data, we are seeing clear shifts. One major change is in snacking habits — Indians now eat 4.5 to 5 times a day on average. It's not five meals — it's constant grazing. Each time you eat, your teeth lose calcium. That makes brushing with a high-quality toothpaste more critical than ever. Lifestyle changes mean health habits must evolve. Just as sedentary lifestyles created a need for gyms, modern eating patterns demand better oral hygiene. The old logic of brushing once a day like our grandparents did doesn't work anymore. Q: Is Colgate aligning its portfolio and innovation pipeline with the demand for natural, Ayurvedic oral care products? Consumers buy benefits, not formats. When people choose a toothpaste, they want freshness, whitening, cavity protection, or pain relief — not just 'herbal' or 'natural.' Those are delivery mechanisms, not the end goals. Our focus is to communicate that science-backed products deliver these benefits effectively. No company invests more in oral care R&D than we do, and we bring that technology to consumers in meaningful, perceivable ways. We're committed to addressing the benefit segments — how we get there, whether herbal or otherwise, depends on what delivers the best outcomes. Q: How are you evolving your company's India strategy to ensure sustained leadership in this digitally driven FMCG landscape? We're evolving in several strategic ways to remain ahead in the Indian FMCG space. First, oral health remains at the core of our mission. Within that, our first pillar is to win with our core brands. Driving volume and growth for these brands is essential. The second pillar is premiumisation. The third pillar is driving toothbrush usage. We're market leaders in toothbrushes, but India's average replacement rate is once every nine months — while dentists recommend replacing them every three. We aim to educate and shift consumer behaviour here. Our fourth pillar is diversification, which includes everything beyond oral care. We're growing in the hand wash and body wash segments. We're also evaluating what we can bring in from our global portfolio to strengthen this arm. Q: How are you integrating AI across operations? On the tech front, AI, ML, and digital tools are embedded end-to-end in our operations. We reach 1.7 million stores daily, and what our reps recommend at each store is AI/ML-powered. Even two stores in the same locality may receive completely different product recommendations based on their unique shopper profiles. In manufacturing, most of our factories operate using digital twins, allowing us to monitor processes in real time and ensure top-notch quality. In marketing, we leverage first-party data and cohort targeting, combined with Google's AI suite, to create and adapt content rapidly for specific audiences. It's an exciting time — and we're only scratching the surface of what tech can do for us.


Hans India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Kosmo Dental Group Hosts Franchise Launch & Convocation Ceremony in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Kosmo Dental Group, one of the fastest-growing dental care networks with a vision to revolutionize private practice dentistry in India, successfully hosted its Franchise Business Launch & Convocation Ceremony today in Hyderabad. The event was graced by Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy Garu, Hon'ble MLA of Narayankhed Constituency, as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour for the ceremony was Dr. Narsimha Swamy, President of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Telangana State Branch. The event also witnessed the presence of several eminent senior dentists and academicians from Hyderabad who have been torchbearers of excellence in the dental fraternity. Marking a major milestone, Kosmo Dental Group officially announced the onboarding of 5 new franchisee clinics in Hyderabad under its unique FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) model. The following distinguished practitioners will now be part of the Kosmo Dental ecosystem: Dr. Arvind UD, Ameerpet – An eminent Implantologist with thousands of successful implants to his credit. Prof. Dr. Bhadra Rao, Boduppal – A highly respected Microendodontist and academician. Dr. Ajay Mohan, Attapur – A prominent Pedodontist known for his excellence in child dental care. Dr. Sunil Mangalam, Mehdipatnam – A senior Microendodontist with a reputed clinical practice. Dr. Archana, Nallagandla – A passionate clinician with a commitment to digital dentistry. Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Kosmo Dental Group said, "Kosmo is not just a franchise, it is a vision to bring together India's top clinical minds under one brand—while retaining their identity and empowering them with the best of systems, technology, and patient engagement. This event is a celebration of clinical excellence, collaboration, and the next chapter in Indian dentistry." The convocation ceremony also honored the graduating batch of Kosmo's Clinical Mastership Program, which offers hands-on, advanced clinical training to young dentists. This program remains a cornerstone of Kosmo's commitment to uplift clinical standards and empower the next generation of dental professionals. With this expansion, Kosmo Dental Group aims to create a strong, quality-driven dental care network across Hyderabad and beyond, combining individual expertise with collective strength.