“20% of the world’s population is presently suffering from oral diseases of which 2% is oral cancer which although low but is on the rise along with other non communicable diseases,” a senior government official has said.
Addressing hundreds of people who convened for the commemorations of the world health oral day in Harare on Tuesday , Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Mr Aldrin Musiiwa said many of these diseases can be easily treated or prevented with a good oral care.
“It has been established through various researches that over 90% of the world’s population will suffer form of oral or dental diseases at least once in their lifetime,” he said
Dr Musiiwa urged people to adopt healthy dietary habits that promote good oral health like avoiding sugars in the diets which are the roots cause of dental caries.
Acting Director for Oral Health, Dr Mandy Sibanda Dlamini echoed the above sentiments when she said that people should start visit their dentist at an early age.
“People should start visit their dentist as early as at an age of three and also brush their teeth regularly,” she said
She added that her organization is planning on raising awareness, teaching the people oral health diseases especially in areas where there are no medical clinics.
The commemorations which were held in Harare gardens saw multitudes of people being offered free treatment and checkup by dental therapists.
