3,500 people get free care as world marks Oral Health Day
In Kenya, the current dentist-to-population ratio is 1:37,800, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of 1:7,000
About 3,500 people benefited from free dental services during a four-day dental outreach organised by Mars Wrigley, the Kenya Dental Association (KDA), and respective county oral health divisions as the world marks Oral Health Day (WOHD) today.
The Mars Wrigley-KDA outreach began on Monday in the Mara region, where dentists attended to over 700 residents around the Olmalaika Trust with more activities taking place in Mbooni Sub-county of Makueni County, where 1,000 people were attended to. It culminated in Nairobi’s Embakasi South Constituency, with nearly 1,500 residents of the Maringo Ward being supported.
The teams further collaborated with mental health professionals to raise awareness about the connection between oral health and mental well-being, under the theme ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind’. This activity focused on the psychological impact of poor oral health and the mental clarity benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene.
In the Mara and Makueni, dentists and mental health specialists conducted sensitisation talks against risky cultural practices, like canine teeth bud removal (infant oral mutilation – IOM), a painful procedure carried out on children aged under 24months, and which predisposes them to infections and other health challenges, including death in some instances.
During IOM, developing primary canines are gouged out in the belief that it can prevent or cure childhood illnesses.
One study on oral health-related quality of life among adolescents in the Mara region found that 61 per cent had experienced IOM. Makueni County also has several other endemic challenges including including Fluorosis – discoloration and pitting of the teeth – with one study noting that at least 91% of the population knows someone with the condition, and 53 per cent were unaware of the dangers of consuming water with high levels of fluoride.
Dr Douglas Oramis, KDA’s Secretary General, said: “Such collaborations as the one between KDA and Mars Wrigley provide immediate care and educate the community on the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. It is important that there is a proactive investment in infrastructure and staffing needs for oral health at both National and County level. Good oral health is of vital importance to the mental wellbeing of people.”
Mars Wrigley’s General Manager, Ismael Bello, emphasised the significance of the outreach, stating: “At Mars Wrigley, we understand the vital role oral health plays in overall well-being, and we are proud to support initiatives like this to provide access to care. We are committed to continuing to create positive impacts on communities ensuring healthier smiles and happier lives.”
In Kenya, the current dentist-to-population ratio is 1:37,800, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of 1:7,000.
