Olufunmilayo Adeniyi: Oral Health Is Essential for Overall Wellness

Dr. Olufunmilayo Adeniyi, a dental health expert, has called for immediate and coordinated actions from both the government and private sector to tackle Nigeria's increasing oral health crisis, coinciding with the observance of World Oral Health Day 2026.

In an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Adeniyi, who is the founder and clinical director of Luxe Dental Clinic and serves as executive director at Smile Doctor Foundation, emphasized that oral health is a vital part of overall well-being and should be recognized as a fundamental human right.

She pointed out that Nigeria grapples with a significant prevalence of dental diseases, largely due to the insufficient focus on oral health within the primary healthcare framework of the country.

"No health exists if oral health is neglected," she asserted, underscoring the mouth's essential role in communication, nutrition, and social interactions, while also serving as the entry point for many diseases.

Adeniyi described the issues surrounding oral healthcare as a multi-faceted problem, urging collaboration among government entities, healthcare professionals, private organizations, and the public to enhance access and awareness regarding oral health.

To improve access to dental care, she advocated for intentional policy measures such as increased funding, better support for dental practitioners, and strengthened partnerships with private institutions.

Adeniyi stressed that access to dental care should not be dictated by an individual's income, as many Nigerians find it challenging to obtain necessary dental services despite its critical importance to overall wellness.

The dental expert also highlighted initiatives by private practitioners and organizations aimed at narrowing the accessibility gap. Some are utilizing internally generated funds to provide care for underprivileged groups, including students, individuals with disabilities, and those with special needs.

Furthermore, she pointed out the structural challenges faced by the dental sector, including lack of funding, high operational expenses, and inadequate compensation for dental professionals, which discourage investments in oral health services.

However, she noted a rise in awareness among Nigerians, as more individuals are now consciously seeking preventive measures like regular dental cleanings rather than waiting for serious dental issues to arise.

Despite these positive developments, she cautioned that gum diseases remain widespread due to poor oral hygiene habits and irregular dental visits, emphasizing that these conditions can often be prevented.

Adeniyi also remarked on the growing interest in cosmetic dental treatments, indicating a shift in societal views on oral health and aesthetics, but advised that such procedures should always be conducted by qualified professionals.

Regarding child dental care, she emphasized the necessity of early education and urged parents to instill healthy oral hygiene routines, which should include twice-daily brushing, flossing, and consistent dental check-ups. She added that minimizing sugary snacks and discouraging harmful practices like prolonged bottle-feeding could greatly improve children's oral health.

World Oral Health Day, celebrated every year on March 20, aims to raise awareness on oral hygiene, with the theme for 2026 underscoring the link between a healthy mouth and a fulfilling, happy life.