The Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, has called on members of the public to take issues of oral health seriously to avoid associated diseases.
President of the Association, Dr Obagbemiro kolawole made the call at this year’s World Oral Health Day, in Lagos.
Dr Kolawole who expressed dismay at the poor oral health habits of some families warned that some diseases of the mouth could lead to serious complications.
Speaking on the negative effects of COVID-19 on oral care, Dr Kolawole noted that the virus had affected every area of human life including oral care and the economic growth of every individual.
He urged the Federal Government to introduce more strategies to retain highly skilled professionals in oral health care especially now that professionals are leaving the country in their numbers.
Dr Kolawole promised that the association would continue to mobilize and educate members the public on the importance of oral hygiene.
He called on citizens to patronise only registered dental clinic for any dental procedures and avoid associating with quacks.
The Past President of the NDA, Consultant Restorative Dentist, LUTH/CMUL Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe, said, the issue of brain drain was one of the major problems confronting the country as medical experts are leaving the county for greener pastures.
He noted that ninety percent of his colleagues who graduated from the same institution have left the country due to challenges bedevilling the country.
He explained that this was one of the causes of incessant strikes by doctors and nurses, migrating to another countries where infrastructure and remuneration are good.
“The issue of brain drain is a big issues, many people are living the country to seek greener pastures to get better life, the economy is hash for people in the medical line, the western world is making it enticing for any Nigerian medical graduate to flourish, the government should help us improve our infrastructure to help reduce brain drain in the health sector”.
The Brand Manager of the company Mrs Tolulope Okuneye stated that her organization is set to take the advocacy to secondary schools all over the world to educate them on the significance of oral hygiene.
“Within the space of five years, we have taken it upon ourselves to go to primary and secondary schools across the country to educate the student on the importance of brushing day and night and also using a toothpaste with fluoride”.
“Our target is to reach about one million students this year in the same way of educating on how to brush well”.
She urged parents to pay attention to their children’s oral hygiene by teaching them how to brush their teeth morning and night daily to avoid tooth decay and associated diseases.
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