17 Sep 2013

The Ministry of Health is working towards promoting, achieving and maintaining acceptable oral health through the practice of self-reliance and self-care by individuals, says the Assistant Minister, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri.

Launching the oral health week in Ghanzi recently, Mr Matlhabaphiri said the Botswana National Health Policy emphasised the provision of health service, including oral health. It was not only limited to curing the sick but also promoting healthy lifestyles.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said oral health diseases had adverse effects on function, general health, psychological and social wellbeing of individuals. He said there was evidence that oral diseases did not only affect the mouth and associated structures but could also be detrimental to the overall health and wellbeing of individuals.

He said Botswana made progress in oral health over the past four decades, especially in its commitment to prevent such diseases. However, inter-sectoral collaboration remained a key factor in disease prevention and health promotion strategies, with the education sector being the major partner in the delivery of oral health services.

“Government schools and fairs are used as settings for provision of interventions such as oral health education, screening and treatment,” he said.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said there was a possible link between periodontal diseases and incidences of premature and low birth weight babies as well as cardiovascular diseases. He also said diabetes was also strongly linked to periodontal infections. He also said oral health affected the most basic human needs; the ability to eat, drink, speak and smile.

According to a study carried out in 2000/01, oral health problems afflicted the 65 to 70 age group, with 47 per cent of them experiencing tooth ache and 93 per cent suffering from gum diseases. The World Health Organisation reported that tooth decay affected between 60 and 90 per cent of both teenage and adult population throughout the year.

The high challenge of oral disease was compounded by high number of trauma cases as a result of road traffic accidents and common assaults. Mr Matlhabaphiri said tooth decay was the prevalent oral disease in Botswana. Ends