By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
As Nigerians join in marking World Toothache Day on Sunday, dentists have called for the implementation of an oral health policy for the oral wellbeing of Nigerians.
The dentists made the call in Ibadan while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews.
A consultant Family Dentist, Dr Clara Akinyamoju, remarked that the prevalence of oral diseases appeared to be increasing among Nigerians.
This, she adds, is due to the gradual change in lifestyle by most individuals adopting a more Western diet consisting of refined carbohydrates.
Akinyamoju underscored the need for the incorporation of a healthy school policy and the establishment of oral health facilities at the primary healthcare level.
The consultant family dentist advised individuals to practice good oral hygiene by toothbrushing and flossing daily.
“Reduce the intake of sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay; motivate children to adopt healthy oral habits by teaching them the importance of brushing and flossing.
“Avoid self-diagnosing/treating toothache; get care from a dentist when experiencing pain; eat foods like vegetables, fruits, and dairy products that promote oral health,” she said.
Akinyamoju said the World Toothache Day, celebrated every Feb. 9, was set apart to educate and raise awareness on oral health.
She said it was also to encourage a dynamic approach to oral care and maintenance of a healthy smile among other objectives.
NAN reports the theme of the World Toothache Day 2025 is “Promoting Dental Health: Say Goodbye to Toothaches”.
“The promotion of oral health and adoption of correct oral hygiene practices will lead to toothache prevention.
“The uptake of proactive oral health practices results in a pain-free smile,” she said.
According to her, the causes of toothache are multifaceted – tooth decay, gum disease, dental trauma, jaw disease, tooth wear lesions and tooth infections.
“A toothache might indicate an underlying health issue, such as heart disease; it may cause referred pain in the ears and head, leading to associated ear/headache,” Akinyamoju said.
Another dentist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Dr Olanrewaju Oduola, said toothache and other oral conditions could have ripple effects across the entire body.
Oduola said with a healthy mouth, one would not have much to worry about regarding oral and general health, which, ultimately, would put one’s mind at rest.
He urged the government to make all tiers of health, particularly, primary healthcare, affordable and function effectively to cater to myriads of cases of toothache.
Oduola urged individuals to regularly and habitually check their teeth with their dentists at least every six months.
“This is because toothache is a complication of a problem at least six months old.
“Any toothpaste that has fluoride is okay.
“Ensure you brush twice daily with the appropriate textured toothbrush; ensure you do check-ups once in six months (that’s twice a year).
“People should prioritise their oral health and do the needful to avoid unnecessary spending and morbidities,” Oduola said. (NAN)
