NDA Advocates For Improved Oral Care

The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has advised Nigerians to put an emphasis on oral care for healthy living and to avert embarrassment at social gatherings.

While announcing activities to mark this year’s World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on March 20, the president of the association, Dr. Tope Adeyemi, decried the unavailability of appropriate oral services for many citizens, a development that, if not checked, would impact the people negatively.

According to Adeyemi, there is a need to develop sustainable strategies for national preventive and therapeutic services to cope with the magnitude of oral health challenges in the country.

Addressing the theme for the 2023 WOHD, ‘Be proud of your Mouth’, the president stressed that a healthy mouth would boost one’s confidence level anywhere any day.

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The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), advocated collaborative efforts in driving programmes and campaigns that promote the early detection and treatment of oral diseases.

To prevent the consequence of neglected oral health, he said some common risk factors include high sugar consumption, unhealthy diet, and smoking. He advised the public to uphold best practices such as brushing twice daily, using a medium textured toothbrush, and fluoridated toothpaste.

WOHD was declared in 2007 and was celebrated annually on September 12 until 2013 when the date was changed to March 20. The World Dental Federation (WDF) initiated it to directly focus on oral health and related issues globally.