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Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
DENTAL infections are on the increase with the Government Dental Services in Bulawayo alone recording an average of 500 people undergoing tooth extraction per month.In an interview yesterday, Bulawayo Government Dental Services’ media and communications officer Mrs Rosemary Mntungwa said dental infections were largely attributed to poor oral health care and diet. Oral health looks at cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, gums and the tongue.
“We are worried about the increase in the number of people who visit our clinics for tooth extraction. On average about 500 patients visit a dental clinic for tooth extraction in a month and this excludes those who go to private dentists,” said Mrs Mntungwa.
“Such people can keep their teeth healthy if they have the knowledge. Often people do not take oral health issues seriously yet it is crucial for them to keep their teeth safe.
“It seems many people are afraid to consult and they wait until they get ill when they are forced to come for extractions. For others the infections are linked to diet. We urge people to make regular consultations and ensure that they maintain healthy teeth.”
Pelandaba Clinic and Mpilo Central Hospital are some of the dental centres in addition to several private dental clinics in the city.
The Bulawayo Government Dental Services also caters for patients from Matabeleland North and South.
Mrs Mntungwa said the Government Dental Services would hold national oral health commemorations in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, at the end of this month as part of its awareness programmes.
“We will hold national oral health commemorations on 25 September at Nkankezi Primary School in Filabusi. This is an annual event held in September as part of our awareness programmes on oral health,” said Mrs Mntungwa.
The theme for this year’s commemorations is “Healthy Teeth for Life.”
Mrs Mntungwa said the awareness programmes were targeting pupils.
“We want to educate pupils on the importance of oral health. In Insiza District for instance, we have visited many primary schools where we teach pupils about oral health. We will return to the schools to examine the pupils,” she said.
“If the Government gives us enough funding we are planning to go back to these schools and offer free dental treatment. We believe if we give knowledge to the young ones it would benefit the whole nation and future generations.”
Online Reporter