The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has urged Nigerians to steer clear of unsafe oral practices, stressing that the mouth is a fragile part of the body that requires proper attention and care.
We gathered that the President of the association, Dr. Emedom Elias, issued the warning during the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NDA in Abuja.
Elias frowned at the habit of using teeth to open bottle tops, describing it as a risky behaviour capable of causing chipped teeth or injuries to the gums. He explained that minor damage from such acts can escalate into severe oral complications if not promptly treated.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to abandon harmful habits that endanger dental health, noting that the mouth is too sensitive to withstand careless handling.
On strategies to strengthen dental practice in the country, the NDA President noted that practitioners must have adequate access to essential dental tools and materials to deliver quality care. He also highlighted the importance of sustained public enlightenment and consistent visits to dental clinics.
“In building a thriving dental practice, it is not enough to establish a clinic. The equipment needed to do the work must be available.
“People need awareness and education on dental issues, and training for dental personnel must be carried out regularly,” he said.
Elias further pointed to poor funding as a major obstacle limiting the advancement of the dental sector in Nigeria. He argued that expanding dental care to rural communities was crucial, as most facilities—both private and public—are concentrated in major cities.
“If you go to the rural areas, you hardly find dental clinics. Most of us are located in the urban areas,” he said.
He also suggested that integrating dental care into primary healthcare centres would significantly improve access.
“If the government does this, the issue of accessing dentistry will be largely addressed across the states,” he added.
