Although there are no current statistics to assess oral health in Nigeria, available data from the National Oral Health Policy indicated that dental caries (tooth decay) affects about six–23 per cent of Nigerians with about 90 per cent of these cases not getting the required treatment.
According to Mayo Clinic, an online health portal, tooth decay is among the world’s most common health problems.
It noted that although it can affect anyone who has teeth, including infants, it is especially common in children, teenagers, and older adults.
According to dental health specialists, untreated dental caries can become larger and affect deeper layers of the teeth, leading to severe toothache, infection, and tooth loss.
However, some dentists have highlighted ways through which tooth decay or dental caries can be prevented.
Cut down on sugary foods, drinks
Speaking with our correspondent, a dentist, Dr Olakunle Igbinlola, said tooth decay is caused by sugary foods and drinks that are left behind in the teeth, and which bacteria act on.
“There are many bacteria that live in the mouth and derive their energy from sugars in the foods and drinks consumed and which form a coating on the teeth called dental plaque. These bacteria act on these sugars, and acids are produced as a waste product.
“These acids start to weaken the tooth and the more you take sugary foods and drinks, the more acids these bacteria produce and after a while, you start to see the signs of tooth decay as cavities or white spots.
So it is important to eat a balanced diet and cut down on sugary foods and drinks. Avoid sugary snacks between meals also,” he explained.
Increase fluoride intake
An oral healthcare provider, Innocent Idiagi, also told our correspondent that drinking fluoridated water daily can help prevent tooth decay, especially among children.
“Drinking at least a pint of fluoridated water each day is required. Fluorine is usually present in tap water and also in toothpastes and it protects the teeth against acids produced by bacteria. Rather than taking fruit juice or soft drinks, learn to take tap water instead.
“If you are not taking in enough fluoridated drinking water, you might need to speak with your dentist so they can give you fluoride supplements,” Idiagi added.
Stay well hydrated
Igbinlola noted, “Saliva prevents tooth decay from occurring by washing sugar out of your mouth and into your stomach. It also stops the acid from causing damage, fights bacteria, and can repair the early stages of tooth decay by repairing tooth minerals.
“You can improve your saliva by staying well hydrated. That means drinking enough clean water every day. The more hydrated you are the more saliva you produce and the lesser your chances of having tooth decay.”
Adopt oral hygiene
Explaining the need for oral hygiene, Igbinlola stated that brushing or flossing the teeth at least twice daily will help protect them from dental caries.
“Good oral hygiene will reduce the activities of bacteria in causing tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and flossing, especially before going to bed is essential. Dental flosses are available at pharmaceutical stores and are useful in removing food particles that bacteria might be feeding on while you are asleep,” he stated.
“Washing your mouth with water after eating a sugary meal is also good. You can also use a mouthwash. It not only freshens the breath but also removes bacteria that cause plaque,” Idiagi added.
Consult your dentist
Igbinlola said, “There is a tendency for people to resort to self-medication when they notice the signs of tooth decay. The safest thing to do is to consult a dentist. Early tooth decay can be reversed and a professional can help prescribe the right medications to use.”
He added that tooth decay should not be handled with levity as it could become a more serious condition if not treated on time.
Go for regular checkups
Dr Igbinlola advised that people go for regular checkups with a dentist and not wait until they have a tooth problem.
He said, “It is not healthy to consult your dentist only when you have a tooth infection. This is quite common among many patients; you hardly see them come for regular checkups unless they have a tooth problem and they can hardly sleep.
“Have regular check-ups where your dentist assesses your oral health, examines what the problem or potential issue is, and has your oral health history available.”