Prevalence rate of dental caries remains high

An epidemiological data published in 2012, by the World Health Organization (WHO) on oral health in the world, showed that almost 100% adults and 60-90% of school children have cavities.

The finding disclosed that 15-20% of middle-aged adults (35-44 years) have severe periodontal disease (Pathology affecting the gums), that can cause tooth loss. While 30% of people aged between 65 and 74 years old do not have natural teeth.

In Cameroon, these alarming statistics are reinforced by the lack of information and awareness about good oral hygiene practices. For example, very few people know that we must brush the teeth after and not before each meal. Why?

“Because even in our houses, there is the need to sweep the house when it gets dirty. We do not sweep a house that is clean. You only brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning; meanwhile, you have not eaten. It is really common with us.

We have to brush our teeth after meals because there are remnants of food left after eating which causes dental caries,” noted Dr. Zinc, dentist, Member of the National Association of dentists in Cameroon (ANCDC).

Other ignored or neglected tricks are the systematic use of toothpastes containing fluoride, the vertical teeth brushing, brushing of the internal faces of the teeth and tongue. Doctors however deplore the limited income that prevents recourse to a dentist; the inadequacy of the physical and human infrastructure; the distribution of dental centers which remains limited to the major cities of the regions.

According to dentists, dental caries is an irreversible illness. According to them, the best strategy to try to reduce the rate of prevalence of this disease in the long term is through awareness of children. "It is recognized across the world that a child of school-going age should be able to assimilate information transmitted to them.

“And in schools, we must add lecturers and teachers who play a fundamental role in the transmission of information, knowledge, to their students,” thought Alioune SAR, head of public relations for West and Central Africa at Colgate Palmolive.

He has been in the country since September 28 to supervise the 4th edition of the oral hygiene month organized by the Company in Cameroon in partnership with the National Association of dental surgeons of Cameroon (ANCDC) and Grace Medical Foundation.

The opening ceremony took place Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Ecole Primaire Publique d’Application in Bonamoussadi, Douala 5th district.

After having provided advice to young learners on good oral hygiene practices, organizers handed them gifts consisting of toothbrushes and toothpaste of Colgate brand.

Free dental diagnostics was part of the activities y which is part of a global programme (Bright smiles bright future) established by the multinational company and being implemented today in more than 80 countries in the world. In the long term, they intend to “completely wipe out” dental caries in the world.