Health stakeholders have tasked Nigerians to prioritize oral health, drawing links between poor oral health and various adverse health conditions.
Converged for the World Oral Health Day commemoration held at the Oyo Ministry of Health, State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Wednesday, the health stakeholders said those with poor oral health risked conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, preterm birth and low birth weight.
The event was under the auspices of a collaboration of the state ministry of health, government dental centres, the state College of Health Science and Technology and Aspira Nigeria Limited (makers of Oracare Toothpaste).
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “A happy mouth is a happy body,” Oyo Commissioner for Health, Mrs Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said both individuals and healthcare professionals must prioritize oral health promotion and disease prevention.
She warned that those who neglect their oral health risked not only tooth decay, gum disease, various types of oral infections as well as a myriad of systemic health issues.
Ajetunmobi said all and sundry must take as crucial developing good oral hygiene habits, promoting regular dental checkups, advocating for fluoridation of water supplies and addressing social determinants that contribute to oral health inconsistencies.
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She stressed that Nigerians must acknowledge the interconnectedness of oral health, nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle choices and hence must adopt a comprehensive approach to health promotion and healthy behaviours.
Speaking on the partnership with the state government, the Southwest Regional Sales Manager, Aspira, Mr Adeboyejo Joseph said the collaboration was the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at ensuring Nigerians adhere to good oral hygiene.
He said the company targeted assisting the state government through the improvement of dental centres in the state.
Adeboyejo said: “When we talk about oral health, you talk about Oracare. You cannot talk about oral health without talking about washing of your teeth. And one of the vital tools we use to wash our teeth is the toothpaste. And we are producing the number one toothpaste in Nigeria, which is known as Oracare.