Dr Emma Vasco, a Consultant in Periodontology, has advised Ghanaians to refrain from using their teeth as bottle openers to avoid deep fractures and potential tooth loss. Speaking at an Oral screening event organized by the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) to commemorate World Oral Health Day (WOHD), Dr. Vasco emphasized that such practices lead to unbearable pain and dental complications.
Dr Vasco, who operates in the Dental Department of GARH, highlighted the detrimental effects of using toothpicks between teeth, which can damage surrounding tissues and contribute to gum diseases. She noted that despite its importance, oral health often remains neglected in overall healthcare and well-being initiatives.
In Ghana, dental caries, locally known as “Kaka,” ranks among the common oral diseases reported at dental clinics, Dr. Vasco stated. She encouraged the public to schedule annual visits to dental clinics for cleanings and examinations to facilitate early detection and treatment of oral diseases, as voluntary dental check-ups are relatively rare.
Madam Faustina Langpuur, a Registered Dental Nurse at GARH, echoed Dr. Vasco's sentiments and cautioned against brushing with hard toothbrushes, which can compromise gum health. She recommended medium brushes for adults and soft brushes for children to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Highlighting the link between alcohol, tobacco use, and oral cancers, Madam Langpuur emphasized the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits to prevent oral diseases. She outlined key practices for good oral hygiene, including regular dental visits, fluoride toothpaste usage, a balanced diet low in sugar, and rinsing the mouth after meals.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, addressed the prevalence of oral cancer and tooth loss in the WHO African Region, affecting approximately 44% of the population. She commended countries like Burkina Faso, Lesotho, Mali, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone for developing and implementing national oral health policies in 2023.
On World Oral Health Day, Dr. Moeti urged stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate with ministries of health in implementing multi-sectoral responses to combat the region's oral disease epidemic. World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20th, aims to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health, with this year's theme being “A happy mouth is a happy body.”
