The Chairperson, Nigeria Dental Association, Oyo State, Dr. Adeola Akintola has appealed to members of the public to prioritize their oral health by giving attention to care of their mouth.
Dr. Akintola made the appeal while addressing journalists in Ibadan, in commemoration of the 2025 World Oral Health Day which has its theme as “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Mind”.
The expert who said taking good care of the mouth promotes physical, mental and social well-being hinted that the best way to improve one’s Oral health is to Eat balanced diet, Brush twice daily, brush all tooth surfaces and the tongue with medium bristle brush.
She highlighted others to include daily flossing, abstaining from smoking, hard brush, refined sugar and sticky foods such as chocolate, soda drink and fried plantain.
Dr. Akintola said the World Health Organization, WHO has estimated that about 3.5 billion people have oral diseases which she said called for concern and appropriate action to lessen the burden of oral diseases globally and in Oyo state.
She said “Nigeria Dental Association (NDA) NDA usually joins the rest of the world to commemorate WOHD every 20th of March.
“In 2024, the WOHD theme was “A HAPPY MOUTH IS A HAPPY BODY”. The theme highlighted the connection between the mouth and body. Thus, emphasizing the link between Oral Health and general Health.
“The theme for 2025 “A HAPPY MOUTH IS A HAPPY MIND” This highlights the connection between mouth and mind. The campaign aim to raise awareness globally on how poor oral health can negatively influence quality of life.
“Poor oral health such as mouth odour, poor oral Hygiene, missing teeth, etc can negatively impact confidence and self-esteem. An individual experiencing severe tooth pain cannot smile let alone laugh. On the other hand, a healthy mouth fosters a positive self-image and emotion and promotes social confidence.
“Tooth and gum diseases could make it difficult to socialize by limiting food choices and ability to communicate freely. On the other hand a healthy mouth gives the freedom to choose healthy diet and enjoy it. A healthy mouth avails you the opportunity to communicate with confidence at formal and social events.
