ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS; HOW SAFE AREYOU?

BY BRIAN SSENOGA KIMULI
At eighty seven years Yusuf Kibirige still can ride bicycle, dig, still seeing well and has all his teeth intact, he pities his seventeen years old granddaughter who has just had one of her teeth removed due to reasons he himself cannot understand only to say that these are bad times for the young owns. He even asks if he will have any teeth by the time she clocks thirty.
According to experts our mouths are full of bacteria, which combine with small food particles and saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on the teeth.
When one consumes food and drink that is high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy), the bacteria turn the carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time and the acid in plaque begins to break down the surface of the tooth.
The plaque will first start to erode the enamel. Over time, a small hole known as a cavity can develop on the surface which often causes toothache.
Once cavities have formed in the enamel, the plaque and bacteria can reach the dentine, as the dentine is softer than the enamel, the process of tooth decay speeds up.
Without treatment, the plaque and bacteria will then enter the pulp and at this stage, your nerves will be exposed to the bacteria, making your tooth very painful and this when many think of having their tooth removed.
According to Dr. Juliet Nabbanja a principle Dental Surgeon at the school of public health, Mulago, dental problems are considered as one of the oral health problems which she says they are on the rise in Uganda than any other part of the world.
In commemoration of the world oral health day on December 9th, a survey conducted by the ministry of health on oral health in Uganda established 51 percent of the population have ever experienced some form of oral disease, 76 percent of children below five years and 93 percent of adults in Uganda suffer from tooth decay while only 35 percent of the population have access to dental care.
Dr. Nabbanja explains that oral diseases are dieases which affect the mouth and its related parts. And the most common among Ugandans toothaches, gum diseases, facial trauma, jaw trauma, oral cancers among others.
“We also found out that 71 percent Ugandans are affected by gum diseases, 13 percent get facial trauma, 13 percent get jaw traumas while three percent of Ugandans are infected with oral cancers. This presents serious consequences on the economy since people affected are always unable to fully utilise their potential to carryout economic duties” says Dr. Nabbanja.
Tooth decay typically occurs in the teeth at the back of the mouth, known as the molars and premolars. These are large flat teeth used to chew food. And are harder to clean properly due to their size and shape therefore it is easy for small particles of food to get stuck on and in-between these teeth.
The world oral health day was established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Dental Federation to boost awareness of oral health and its impact on general health and wellbeing. It is marked every twelveth day of September with global, regional and national activities related to oral health and this year’s theme chosen by World Dental Federation was Non-Communicable Diseases.
However, according to Annet Kutesa a dental surgeon, oral diseases are considered as one of the several Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
“Research has shown that oral diseases are highly related to lifestyle factors which are risks to most chronic diseases and NCDs. Oral diseases are currently a major public health threat owing to their prevalence and incidence in Uganda” says Dr. Kutesa
She says that the most prominent NCDs include cardiovascular or heart diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases all sharing common risk factors with oral diseases, preventable risk factors that are related to lifestyle.
“Dietary habits are significant to the development of Non-communicable Diseases and influence the development of dental caries. For instance, tobacco use is estimated to account for over 90 percent of cancer of the mouth, and it’s associated with aggravated dental breakdown, poorer standards of oral hygiene and also premature tooth loss” she continues.
To combat the increase of oral health related diseases a national health policy on oral health education and integration of oral health services has been developed.
Risk factors for oral health problems.
There are a number of identified risk factors for oral health problems, which are outlined below.
Diet.
Consuming food and drink that is high in carbohydrates will increase your risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay is often associated with sweet and sticky food and drink, such as chocolate, sweets, sugar and carbonated drinks.
Poor oral hygiene.
If you do not regularly brush your teeth and/ or clean your mouth, you are at a higher risk. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day or rinse your mouth every after eating.
Smoking
Smokers have a higher chance of developing oral cancer as the tobacco smoke interferes with the production of saliva, which helps to keep the surface of your mouth cavity wet. Studies have also shown that passive smoking can also be a risk factor, particularly for children.
Others include; Dry mouth, Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can increase the risk of oral health and frequent Gastro-esophageal refluxes a digestive condition where stomach acid leaks back up out of the stomach and into the throat, sometimes entering the mouth.
NUMBERS.
300 dentists registered with Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners’ council
700 public health dental officers trained by government in the year 2010/11
125 government health facilities offering dental services.