By Chioma Obinna

Nigerian dentists have called for an urgent development of sustainable strategies for national preventive and therapeutic oral health services to cope with the magnitude of oral health challenges in the country.

Making the call in Lagos, President of the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe explained that these strategies have become necessary following insight into sporadic studies and oral health surveys which showed that periodontal diseases, dental caries and oral cancers are three major oral health problems in the country.

Ijarogbe who stressed that good oral health is essential to general health and over all well being of individuals lamented that even simple things like daily oral hygiene using fluoridated toothpaste are not yet a common practice everywhere in the country.

According to him, healthy smile and the ability to speak and eat without pain or discomfort are critical to general health and well-being.

“Easily preventable or treatable oral diseases left unchecked can lead to major negative health consequences. It is time to speak openly about and to address the great inequalities that exist in terms of oral health.”

Ijarogbe who spoke during a press conference to reel out activities lined up the NDA to mark this year’s World Oral Health Day regretted that appropriate services are not available for many people in low-income and middle – income communities.

He added that any investment in oral health will lead to an improvement in oral health status a will yield dividends of good general health.

Stating that the theme for this year is “Smile for Life”, he announced that NDA will be focusing on prevention of oral diseases adding that both governments, NDA, schools, communities and families have a role to play in effective prevention strategies, by raising awareness of good oral hygiene and habits contributing to good oral health.

Speaking, the Secretary of NDA, Dr. Kola Obagbemiro who listed the activities to celebrate the day in Lagos said, the NDA is organising an awareness Walk, from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to Fadeyi bus stop, Ikorodu road, while there will be dental outreaches to two rural communities in Lagos State, Badagry and Ikorodu and dental awareness activity at the indoor sports hall of the university of Lagos amongst others.

Obagbemiro who admitted that oral health awareness was increasing in Nigeria urged Nigerians to stay away from lifestyles and foods that can lead to oral health diseases.   “Prevention helps to achieve a healthy smile for life. There is no good health without good oral health as the mouth is the gateway and mirror to the body,” she added.

Speaking, the sponsors of the programme, Unilever Nigeria Plc noted the importance of oral health stating the need for Nigerians to adopt the culture of twice brushing daily.

Represented by Brand Building Director, Home and Personal care, Mr David Ukeme said Unilever have been in the forefront to ensure access to products needed within the oral care sector.