Ghana Armed Forces mark World Oral Health Day
THE Ghana Armed Forces have commemorated World Oral Health Day (WOHD) with a screening and health talk for its personnel and students of Forces Senior High Technical School.
Advertisement
The theme: “Be Proud of your Mouth for a Lifetime of Smiles” sought to equip the public with the knowledge to secure a good oral health.
It is observed annually on March 20, and it is dedicated to raising global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths.
The Officer in Charge Dental Division at the 37 Military Hospital, Colonel Halidu Salifu Ayinga called on parents to send their children to the dentist at an early age.
That early visit to the dentist ensured that preventive measures were put in place to protect their primary teeth as well as early detection of orofacial deformities.
Oral health
He explained that oral disease was a major health issue especially in the country as it was estimated that it affected nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide.
“In Ghana, some studies suggest that at least 80 per cent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 years are affected by gum diseases, while another 40 per cent of 12 year-olds suffer from decayed, missing teeth, stained teeth and bad breath,” he stated.
He noted that oral disease negatively affected people throughout their lives, causing pain, discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-esteem.
“Most oral health conditions are largely preventable,” he added.
Education
The World Dental Federation (WDF) Ambassador for WOHD, Dr Louisa Ansong-Satekla, said the theme resonated with the federation and the Ghana Dental Association’s (GDA) mission to promote good oral health practices and encourage a greater understanding of oral health to people’s well-being.
She noted that in most part of the country, oral health was often neglected though it was an essential component of overall health.
“Poor oral health can lead to a range of problems including tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and even more severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” she explained
She said dental health professionals had the responsibility to educate the public on the importance of oral health and also encourage healthy oral hygiene habits.
“We must together raise awareness and provide access to dental care for all regardless of their social and economic status,” she added.
Access
The Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Disease at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Wallace Odiko-Ollenu, called for improved access to oral health services for rural communities.
He also called for comprehensive implementation for oral health policy to reduce the increasing prevalence of oral diseases and their impact on general health.
