24 Oct 2023

Oral diseases are amongst the most common Non Communicable Diseases with high social, economic, and health system impacts.

Addressing Bokaa residents during the commemoration of Oral Health Day themed; Be Proud of Your Mouth For a Lifetime of Smiles, in Bokaa recently Kgatleng District Council Chairperson Mr Daniel Molokwe said oral diseases affected people throughout the life course, causing pain, disfigurement and social isolation.

In that regard, Mr Molokwe said, the growing burden of oral diseases demanded action at every level, individual, family and community, hence collective action of communities was required to prevent oral diseases and conditions to maintain a solid set of teeth for lifetime of smiles.

Mr Molokwe appealed to the private sector to come on board on health service delivery ,noting that the government alone would not manage due to budget constraints.

He said  consumption of acidic and sugary foods contributed to oral diseases, therefore people should be educated about the importance of oral health and well being.

“By adopting a balanced diet and practicing good oral hygiene and eliminating other risk factors such as smoking and alcohol, we can preserve our smiles and safeguard our general health,” he said.

Kgatleng District Health Management Team representative, Ms Rose Phuthego said the Kgatleng Oral health day commemoration provided an opportunity to sensetise the community on oral health care and services.

The commemoration also sought to educate residents on oral conditions, general health and sensitise community on preventive measures and early treatment benefits.

She said Kgatleng Oral Health department was housed at Deborah Retief Memorial Hospital and serviced the whole district and nearby ones.

The department, she said, provided dental and maxillofacial consultations, minor dental surgical procedures and emergency dental care through accident and emergency, conservative treatment as well as oral health promotion in partnership with other stakeholders. Ends