Dental problems in students: Such things have come to light in Project Neev of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, which can increase the concern of parents. Diseases in the teeth and mouth of children studying in government schools of Delhi are increasing rapidly. In the examination of 72,334 students and school staff conducted by mobile dental clinics under Project Neve under the Delhi Oral Health Programme, New Delhi, many such dental problems were seen which could have been prevented if they were identified in time.

This program was started in September 2014 in collaboration with the Education Department and School Health Scheme of the Delhi Government, in which the figures till January 2026 are quite shocking. The results of the examination of school children and staff revealed that a large number of children are suffering from dental diseases which could have been prevented by providing timely treatment but due to lack of awareness, limited access to treatment and lack of timely intervention, these cases increased. Let us know which diseases are increasing in the teeth of children.

These diseases are occurring in children’s teeth

• . tooth decay
• . gum disease
• . lack of proper oral hygiene
• . Plaque and calculus accumulation on teeth
• . Food was found stuck between the teeth of many children.
• . Some children were found to be brushing incorrectly (brushing too hard in an oblique manner) which resulted in wear away of the top layer of teeth.
• . In many children, bleeding gums and white spots on the teeth were also observed on slight contact, which are signs of weak teeth.
• . Many children also complained of toothache, difficulty in chewing food, bad breath and tooth sensitivity.

What is the effect of diseases on teeth?
These problems occurring in children’s teeth affect their school attendance, concentration in studies, nutrition and overall performance. In some cases, there has been a need to send children to specialist doctors for further treatment. However, some bad habits have also been seen in children, due to which diseases are flourishing.

How many children were examined in the last two years?
In 2024–25: 14,381 children screened
In 2025–26 (by November 2025): Screening of 9,998 beneficiaries

These bad habits cause diseases

1. . Excessive consumption of packaged sweet snacks and soft drinks during school hours
2. . Not changing toothbrush on time
3. . Sharing toothbrush with siblings
4. . not brushing at night
5. . Lack of parental supervision when brushing teeth of small children
6. . Many children saw dentist for the first time

What is the prevention of these diseases?
leading this initiative Vikrant Mohanty, HOD, Department of Public Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences. It is said that under this project, six mobile dental clinics visit schools every week as per the scheduled schedule. There, children’s teeth are examined, fluoride varnish is applied if necessary, and pit-and-fissure sealants are also applied for children at higher risk. Basic dental treatment is also carried out within the school premises with parental permission.

Dr. Mohanty said that early detection and prevention of diseases is the most effective way to reduce the health burden in the long run. Senior Advisor Swati Jain has helped in making the planning and implementation of the program successful. Apart from screening children, under this project, 53 teacher training sessions were also organized in 44 government schools so that teachers could teach students daily teeth cleaning habits.