A paediatric dentist, Dr Adeola Williams, has asked Nigerians to ensure they maintain good oral hygiene to ensure they have a good smile and can be happy.
Speaking at the 2024 World Oral Health Day celebration and interschool debate competition by the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State chapter, Dr Williams stated that good oral health can translate to a good smile and a happy mouth, because the mouth can be a reflection of the diseases of the body and oral health has been shown to be linked to many diseases that affect the body.
According to her, maintaining good oral health requires brushing with fluoride-containing toothpastes at least twice a day and visiting the dentists at least twice a year for checkups and cleaning.
She said it is important to avoid intake of sugary foods and drinks, self-medication in case of tooth ache or bleeding gums, rough play, as well as habits that could cause broken teeth, like using teeth as bottle openers.
Dr Williams expressed concern over the increasing cases of tooth decay in children and called on parents to discourage consumption of sugary substances, its main culprit, and to inculcate in them proper oral hygiene habits.
“In this environment, dental caries doesn’t spare very small children. We see children as young as one and a half and two years old having holes in their teeth. So, parents should please discourage the consumption of sugary substances by their young children because it is the main culprit.
“Also, any form of discomfort or any pain in the mouth or jaw, as well as gum bleeds when brushing or even without brushing the teeth should be taken seriously. Don’t go to the chemist to just buy ‘touch and go’ or any medication; make sure to go to the dental clinic for treatment,” she said.
Chairman, NDA Oyo State chapter, Dr Fechi Nkwocha, said sometimes, conditions like diabetes or things suggestive of worsening or aggravation of medical conditions affecting the body are first detected in the mouth by the dentist.
Nkwocha, speaking through Dr Clara Akinyamoju, stated that the mouth cannot be isolated from other parts of the body, and as such, it gives a reflection of ongoing things in the body and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, declared that 11 dental centres had been upgraded to provide standard dental care across the state, with the ultimate goal of ensuring at least one dental clinic per town for years to come.
Dr Adetunmobi, speaking through the Director of Health and Hospital Monitoring at the ministry, Dr Joshua Faleye, said to be happy holistically starts from the mouth, because toothache is the worst form of pain and no one in pain can be happy or smile.
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