Dr. Uku Jonathan Ntekim, a dental surgeon, has pointed out the significant correlation between oral hygiene and overall health, emphasizing that neglecting dental care could lead to severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and kidney issues.
In an interview with ARISE News on Friday, coinciding with World Oral Health Day, Dr. Ntekim stressed the essential role that the mouth plays in the body's overall health, asserting that it should receive adequate attention.
"While I wouldn’t claim the mouth is more important than other body parts, it holds equal significance as it serves as the gateway to the body," he explained.
He further elaborated that anything that enters the body, such as food and beverages, must pass through the mouth, highlighting the necessity of maintaining good oral hygiene. According to him, daily practices like brushing and flossing are vital for having healthy teeth and preventing diseases.
"Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. The daily habits you develop will influence both their durability and your overall health," Dr. Ntekim remarked.
He emphasized the connection between oral diseases and other systemic conditions, particularly diabetes, warning that bacteria from neglected gum infections could enter the bloodstream and affect critical organs.
"Oral bacteria can travel through small blood vessels and reach the heart, leading to serious complications. They can impact kidney function as well," he noted.
Dr. Ntekim elaborated on the bidirectional relationship between gum disease and diabetes, indicating that untreated conditions can exacerbate each other.
"When diabetes is uncontrolled while a patient has existing gum disease, managing both issues becomes problematic. Hence, simultaneous treatment is essential," he stated.
He also raised concerns regarding the low rates of dental visits in Nigeria, pointing out that many individuals only seek dental care when problems are significant. He urged for more robust governmental initiatives to enhance access to dental services.
"For any nation to prosper, investing in its human capital is crucial. Nigeria must prioritize healthcare accessibility for all, commencing from grassroots levels," he asserted.
Dr. Ntekim called for improvements in primary healthcare systems, especially at the local government tier, to ensure dental services are more accessible and affordable.
Regarding everyday oral care, he recommended brushing teeth at least twice daily—ideally after breakfast and before bed—stressing the significance of nighttime hygiene due to increased bacterial activity.
"At night, saliva production decreases and bacteria are more active. If food remains on the teeth, bacteria feed on these residues, producing acid that can gradually erode enamel," he cautioned.
While acknowledging the popular use of mouthwash, he insisted that it should not replace brushing.
"Brushing remains more effective than mouthwash," he stated.
He also warned against utilizing abrasive substances like charcoal, salt, or baking soda as toothpaste alternatives, as these can damage the enamel over time.
"These materials are abrasive and can continuously wear away the enamel," he cautioned.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that traditional chewing sticks could be advantageous when used alongside modern dental tools.
"Chewing sticks can be helpful, but they should complement the use of a toothbrush and toothpaste," Dr. Ntekim recommended.
This interview is part of global endeavors aimed at raising awareness about the significance of oral hygiene, with specialists encouraging people to adopt preventive strategies and regularly seek dental care to ensure long-term health.
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