Colgate’s Oral Health Movement finds India’s average dental health score is just 2.6 out of 5, despite widespread toothpaste usage.
Kochi: A recent study has found that India’s average dental health score is significantly low. As part of its ‘Oral Health Movement’ launched in November 2024, Colgate-Palmolive (India) screened over 4.5 million Indians in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association and the support of 50,000 dental professionals. The study revealed that India’s average dental health score stands at just 2.6 out of 5.
The initiative aimed to bridge the wide gap between awareness and actual dental hygiene practices in the country by offering free dental checkups and promoting oral hygiene. Although nearly 100% of Indians use toothpaste, 90% of people still face dental issues. Shockingly, only 9% visit dental professionals regularly. However, the campaign successfully encouraged 1 in 6 screened individuals to follow up with a dentist — a sign of the program’s positive impact. Key findings highlighted that brushing twice a day, reducing intake of coffee and sugary drinks, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco are strongly linked to better oral health.
