As General Hospital Somolu joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Y2021 World Oral Health Day, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Aderade Ijogun, has enjoined Lagosians to pay adequate attention to their mouths the same way they care for other parts of the body.

The Medical Director, who is also a Consultant Dental Surgeon, encouraged the citizenry to look after their oral health by adopting good oral hygiene routine and managing risk factors.

Dr. Ijogun gave the advice at an enlightenment session organised to celebrate the Day with the in-patient and staff of the hospital where free dental check-ups were carried out.

Speaking on the theme for the Y2021 World Oral Health Day, “Be Proud of Your Mouth”, the Medical Director explained that there is a need for more enlightenment about the importance of oral health in order to empower people with the tools and knowledge needed to prevent and control oral diseases, which affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide.

She averred that preserving oral health can help keep the mind and body healthy too, as well as protect against the spread of infections.

Ijogun disclosed that tooth decay is one of the most common health conditions in the world caused by unhealthy diets high in sugar as well as exposure to other risk factors.

“Excessive intake of sugar from drinks, snacks and processed foods do not only cause tooth decay but also contributes to obesity and increases the risk of diabetes”, the Medical Director stated.

She also informed that there is a need for oral health interventions in communities that do not have adequate access to oral education or dental care.

Also speaking during the enlightenment session, the Head of Dental Department, General Hospital, Somolu, Dr. Oluwafunke Otusheso, said that the campaign about dental health this year is to inspire change by focusing on importance of oral hygiene for overall health.

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated every year on 20th March. The WOHD campaign provides an ideal platform to raise awareness and encourage commitments and actions to promote good oral health.

It is believed that by leveraging on thoughtfully coordinated efforts at local, national and global levels, the voice of oral health community can be amplified in the lead-up to WOHD every year.