Nigeria’s oral health situation is becoming increasingly concerning, as health specialists cautions that the country’s negligence for dental care is contributing to an alarming increase in preventable diseases. From poor dental hygiene to unhealthy habits and infrequent checkups, the country’s oral health crisis is becoming a silent Epidemic with severe implications for public health. The experts raised awareness of these issues during an oral health awareness event held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State, organized by the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH).
Health professionals are becoming increasingly concerned about the fact that Nigerians typically only seek dental care when they are in excruciating pain, at which point more serious procedures like tooth extraction are unavoidable. Despite the well-established link between oral and systemic health, many Nigerians are still unaware of the risks of poor dental care. The specialists claim that the neglect of oral hygiene in Nigeria has reached critical levels, prompting urgent calls for intervention from both the government and the general public.
Addressing public awareness and dental healthcare gaps.
Speaking during the awareness workshop, Dr. Rotimi Majekodunmi underlined that oral health goes beyond simply having clean teeth and is closely related to overall health and well-being. He cautioned that if left untreated, dental problems can lead to infections in other areas of the body, which have been connected to diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and lung infections. Representing the Director of ICOH, Dr. Taiwo Olaniyi, Majekodunmi cited frequent poor brushing habits and sporadic dental checkups as the main causes of the oral health burden.
He emphasized the need to make oral hygiene a daily priority, pointing out that there is still a dangerously low level of public awareness. The dearth of public dental Infrastructure and high expense of private treatment have made oral healthcare a privilege rather than a fundamental health right. In his detailed presentation, “Understanding Oral Health: Causes, Prevention, and Common Dental Issues,” Chief Dental Therapist Mr. Felix Mathew Gyang cautioned that brushing once a day is insufficient. He clarified that brushing should be done twice a day with fluoride using the correct technique.
Recommendations for improving oral health care.
Mr. Gyang advised against using toothbrushes with strong bristles and using too much force, as these practices can injure gums and erode enamel. He attributed the frequent causes of dental issues in Nigeria to improper brushing habits, sugary snacks, and unhealthy diets. Gyang underlined how important it is to incorporate dental treatment within Nigeria’s main healthcare system. He called on the government to provide quality dental services in public hospitals and increase rural and underserved areas’ access to affordable dental care.
Furthermore, he recommended integrating oral health Education into school curricula to foster positive habits early on and guarantee that future generations have a greater awareness of dental care. This call for action is supported by earlier warnings from the Nigerian Dental Association, which raised concerns last year over the increasing number of untreated dental conditions in the country. These issues, including gum disease and tooth decay, are affecting a large portion of the population, particularly in underserved areas where access to proper care is limited. The association has also called for increased funding for oral healthcare and better-equipped facilities in public hospitals.
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Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, acknowledged the significance of the awareness campaign and urged journalists to do more to advance oral health education. She encouraged her colleagues that despite the demanding nature of their profession, they should prioritize their health, particularly oral health, and serve as role models for the public. As journalists, we can help raise awareness about the importance of oral health for all Nigerians by adopting healthier habits and spreading the message of preventive care, she added.