BREAKING: Poor Oral Health Can Lead To Diabetes, Heart Disease, Health Expert Warns

An average Nigerian will hardly go to the hospital for a dental check-up during their lifetime. Unlike in other parts of the world, Nigerians only visit the dentist when they feel a toothache.

However, even when they are in need of care, it is sometimes difficult to access these services, especially for those in rural or disadvantaged communities.

According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO), even when 42 percent of the population in Africa is affected by oral diseases, including dental issues such as gum disease, and tooth loss, only 17 percent have access to essential oral healthcare services.

Speaking during an interview with THE WHISTLER, the Founder, Ideal Dental Foundation International, Dr Francis Uche, emphasized that dental health issues in Nigeria are often worsened by limited access to care, poor oral hygiene practices, and lack of awareness.

“Dental health refers to the overall condition of one’s mouth, including teeth, gums, and the oral-facial system that enables us to smile, speak, and chew,” he said.

He listed some of the common dental issues in Nigeria as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, oral infections, dental fluorosis, oral cancer and misaligned teeth.

He attributed these issues to high sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene, smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Uche stressed the importance of regular dental check-ups for early detection and prevention.

“Dentists can spot issues like cavities, gum disease, oral infections, or even early signs of cancer before they become serious or painful.

“Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar build-up that brushing alone can’t handle — helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease,” he said.

He noted that treating small issues early, detected through check-up, is far cheaper than handling advanced problems like root canals, extractions, or dentures.

Uche disclosed that poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and erectile dysfunction, emphasising more the need for regular check-up.

More so, the doctor stated, visiting the dentist helps to maintain one’s fresh breath and confidence while giving the patient the opportunity to receive personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and diet based on specific needs.

He advocated for mass awareness campaigns and school-based dental programs to educate Nigerians about oral health.

“Many Nigerians are unaware of the importance of dental check-ups unless they experience pain,” Uche said. “Oral health is not commonly taught or emphasized at home, in schools, or in the media.”

He disclosed that after over 30 years of practice, he had discovered the need for school-based awareness.
“If children between 7 and 16 don’t develop good habits, they’ll face dental issues later in life,” he said.

Uche revealed that his foundation has initiated school-based awareness programs. During World Oral Health Day, they organised an outreach at Karonmajigi Junior Secondary School, Abuja, educating over 600 students about oral health and providing treatment to selected students.

He further stated that one crucial challenge of access to dental care is cost of treatment as many people prioritise more “urgent” health issues.

This, he said, had prompted the establishment of his foundation to reach out to the young and the aged, especially in the vulnerable and underserved population in the society.

“We found out that we are treating rich and middle-class patients. We hardly found poor people coming to our clinic. So, we decided to give back a little to society by targeting the underserved; people in the rural area who don’t have access to this dental care. Even when they have access, they do not have the funds. We concentrate on children and the aged,” he stated.

Uche, however, maintained that prevention is always better than cure and urged Nigerians to adopt good oral hygiene by adopting simple, consistent habits and making smart choices in daily life.

“Brush twice daily and properly; spend at least two minutes brushing, floss daily as it helps remove food and plaque between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach, limit sugar intake, reduce consumption of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and sweets, which can cause tooth decay, visit the dentist at least once a year and avoid using teeth as tools.

“Quit smoking and avoid tobacco, smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer and educate children early on dental health,” he listed.

The dental surgeon also warned Nigerians to avoid traditional remedies such as herbs and concoctions as it could be harmful to their teeth.

“Some of those concoctions are caustic and instead of healing, kill your teeth. We discourage it highly,” he said.