Pepsodent, a globally recognized oral care brand, has rolled out a large-scale oral health education campaign in Nigeria aimed at transforming dental hygiene habits among young children. In collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) and the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), the initiative—titled the Pepsodent Brush Day and Night School Program—was officially launched at St. Saviour Primary School in Lagos.
This impactful program seeks to educate and influence the oral health behavior of no fewer than 2 million Nigerian pupils aged 6 to 11 across six key states: Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, and Edo.
21-Day Challenge to Instill Lifelong Oral Habits
Oiza Gyang, the Marketing Head of Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care at Unilever Nigeria, explained that the school activation program is structured around a 21-day challenge, designed to instill the habit of brushing twice daily. Gyang emphasized that consistent behavior for 21 days has been scientifically shown to solidify new habits, making this structure ideal for behavioral transformation among children.
“The activation will run five days a week in participating schools. After 21 days, our team will return to reward the pupils who have completed the challenge. This incentive approach is meant to keep the children motivated and fully engaged,” Gyang said.
She highlighted the severe impact of poor oral health in Nigeria, noting that dental conditions remain one of the leading causes of absenteeism among school-age children. By instilling positive habits early, the initiative aims to significantly reduce this preventable issue.
Building Better Futures Through Oral Health Education
Gyang stressed that oral hygiene plays a vital role in the overall health and productivity of individuals, especially children. She noted, “We are deeply passionate about families and children. Through this program, we aim to foster good oral care habits that not only enhance physical health but also boost confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.”
The core message of the campaign revolves around encouraging children to brush twice a day using Pepsodent Triple Protection toothpaste, which guards against cavities, promotes fresh breath, and ensures white teeth.
A Broader Mission: Reaching 10 Million Children by 2025
Eva Ogudu, Category Manager for Oral Care at Pepsodent, emphasized Unilever’s long-term commitment to advancing oral health across Nigeria. She announced that the company’s broader goal is to educate 10 million Nigerian children by the year 2025.
“To date, we’ve reached over 6 million children nationwide through our various oral health initiatives,” Ogudu revealed. “As a brand, Pepsodent is committed to being a force for good by entrenching a culture of healthy oral hygiene practices among Nigerians.”
Ogudu added that this initiative aligns with Pepsodent’s global mission to help individuals harness the “power of their smiles,” which in turn positively influences social interaction, confidence, and general happiness.
Support from the Nigerian Dental Association
Dr. Oluwole Olusanya, Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association (Lagos Chapter), applauded the initiative and used the opportunity to call on parents and caregivers to take greater responsibility for their children’s oral hygiene.
“Oral care should begin at an early age. Parents must ensure their children brush their teeth regularly to eliminate bacteria and prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease,” he advised.
Olusanya warned that neglecting oral hygiene could lead to more serious health complications affecting other parts of the body, highlighting the urgent need for preventive care and education.
A Legacy of Oral Health Advocacy
Pepsodent has played a pivotal role in promoting oral health globally, and its footprint in Nigeria is both deep and impactful. Over the last seven years, the brand has reached millions of children through school-based programs, offering free toothpaste, toothbrushes, and educational materials to drive lasting behavioral change.
Locally, the brand continues to champion oral hygiene through various initiatives such as:
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Mobile Dental Clinics
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Oral Health Education Conferences
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Nationwide Schools Programs
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Massive engagement across digital and traditional media platforms
These combined efforts reinforce Pepsodent’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has the knowledge and tools necessary for optimal oral health.
Conclusion
The Pepsodent Brush Day and Night School Program is more than a corporate social responsibility initiative—it is a bold step toward redefining oral health standards in Nigeria. By embedding good dental hygiene habits in millions of children, Pepsodent and its partners are laying the foundation for a healthier, more confident, and more productive future generation.
As this campaign continues across Nigeria’s schools, the brand’s message remains clear: Brush Day and Night, and protect your smile for life.
