13 Sep 2023

Healthcare professionals and stakeholders have been implored to collaborate and come up with initiatives that prioritise oral health even in the remotest areas.

The call was made by Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe during the commemoration of the National Oral Health Day in Maun under the theme; Be proud of Your Mouth.

Mr Lelatisitswe noted that parents, teachers and other stakeholders should teach children how to take care of their teeth at an early age.

In the North West District, he said the most common oral health diseases were dental caries and gum diseases.

He therefore advised all to intensify education and awareness of those conditions.

Oral health, he said, was not only a personal matter, but also a vital aspect of health and wellbeing of the communities.

He also noted that health and wellness formed part of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda priorities as his intention was to keep the nation in good health, hence it was important for all people to maintain good oral health.

“Oral health is not just about teeth and gums; it is about the overall health and wellbeing of the communities and as we navigate the ever-changing currents of progress and tradition, let us not forget to care for our smiles; the windows to our health and happiness,” he said.

Mr Lelatisitswe appreciated that the theme underscored the importance of taking care of mouths, so that people could be confident and proud of themselves, saying that by so doing, they would have safeguarded their health and wellbeing in general.

Furthermore, he noted that oral health was often referred to as a ‘window to general health’ and for a good reason, teeth and gums could provide valuable insights into the condition of the body as a whole.

“In this beautiful village of yours, where life thrives in harmony with nature, let us not overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy smile that reflects the vitality within us,” he said.

The assistant minister pointed out that the community members found themselves at crossroads where modernity met tradition and urged them not to lose sight of their roots while they embrace progress.

He cited that traditional foods, rich in heritage and flavour, were a source of pride.

Mr Lelatisitswe highlighted that it was imperative that they striked a balance between culinary delights and oral health, noting that they should be mindful of the impact that excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks could have on their teeth and bodies.

By adopting a balanced diet and practicing good oral hygiene, he said they could preserve their smiles for generations to come and avoid being victims of the latest scourge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Outlining the objectives of the event, Ngami District Health Management Team coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe said the event was a global healthcare observed every year to raise awareness about oral hygiene, its importance and the factors that had contributed to oral diseases.

She called on members of the public to prioritise oral health, saying that prevention was better than cure.

Oral diseases, she said usually led to pain, discomfort and also affected one’s confidence.

Kgosi Gokgathang Moalosi of Sankoyo commended DHMT for launching an oral health project in his village, saying it had impacted positively on the lives of the villagers, including children as they had understood that oral health was the foundation of their life.

The project aimed to assess the oral health status of the community, provide oral health services and increase accessibility to oral health services.

“I am happy that a total of 144 people were screened and treated. Even pupils were taught about the importance of oral health and some were treated,” he added.

Kgosi Moalosi acknowledged that the project enabled the community to improve their oral and general health and wished DHMT could roll the project out to other remote areas.ENDS