THE Dental Association of Nigeria has said the general attitude of Nigerians to oral health has significantly improved unlike in times past. The Vice – Chairman of the Association, Dr. Seye Logede who stated this on Tuesday as part of efforts to mark the 2018 World Oral Health Day said poor dental health could affect a person’s general health and well-being as the mouth is the gateway to the body.
According NAN, Logede who is a Principal Dental Officer in the Oral Diagnosis Unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, said the use of social media contributed to the success recorded. He explained that poor oral hygiene could also affect the psychological well-being of a person and make one lose self-confidence.
“Your total psychological well-being is affected when you have bad oral hygiene; you would not be able to speak or smile in public and people will find it unpleasant talking with you.’’
He also said that a person with poor oral health would find eating food and taking cold or hot drinks unpleasant.
“When your teeth and gum are in poor condition, you can no longer enjoy your food; if you take cold or hot drinks, your teeth will scream aloud.”
He advised Nigerians to see dentist every six months at most while children should have routine checks during teething period. He also advised Nigerians to brush their teeth twice a day.
