In July and August 2025, Dr. Prarthana and Ruchir Kalra visited Ladakh, a region known for incredibly high peaks and serene valleys. Unlike most visitors, however, they were not simply exploring Ladakh as they were there on a mission to raise some awareness about oral health in remote areas.
Linking to remote villages
When they met the communities in Chumathang, they noticed a big problem that most residents had little to no access to dental care or even basic education about oral hygiene. They started to fill the gap by talking about simple daily techniques and showed these remote village people how these easy actions could avoid much bigger complications like tooth decay and gum infection.
The Five Golden Rules of Oral Care
To make oral hygiene easy to remember, they shared five golden rules with the community:
- Brush twice daily.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Eat a maximum of green, leafy vegetables.
- Use interdental cleaning aids.
- Visit the dentist every six months.
The above simple suggestions became a useful basis for both children and adults to protect their smiles.
Beyond knowledge: Providing the basics
Understanding that knowledge alone wouldn’t help, Dr. Prarthana and Dr. Ruchir Kalra also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste. In remote villages where even these basics are hard to come by, such support was impactful! Children were very happy after having their own toothbrush and paste. These small things inspire families to start healthier routines at home.
Lasting Impact
This initiative was not just about oral hygiene- it was about kindness, connection, and community care. By blending education with practical support, Dr. Prarthana and Ruchir created a positive impact that will last well beyond their visit. Their efforts highlighted an important truth: oral health is deeply linked to overall well-being, and even small interventions can improve lives in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
What began as a trip to Ladakh turned into a mission of smiles. Through awareness sessions, golden rules, and simple tools like brushes and paste, Dr. Prarthana and Dr. Ruchir Kalra made oral care more accessible for the people of Chumathang. Their journey showed that true travel goes beyond seeing new places; it’s also about connecting with people and giving back to society.