By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, March 20, GNA - The Dental and Oral Surgery Department of the Tema General Hospital has organised a free dental screening for residents as part of activities to mark World Oral Health Day.
The initiative was aimed at promoting good oral hygiene, early detection of dental problems, and making dental care more accessible to various segments of the population.
The event, held at the hospital’s dental unit, was led by a team of experienced dentists and dental nurses who examined various oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, among others.
World Oral Health Day is observed globally on March 20 annually to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, with the 2025 theme being “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind. “
Dr. Kakra Bonsu Appiah, the Head of the Dental Department at Tema General Hospital, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the free dental screening exercise was part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to promoting oral health awareness and encouraging the public to adopt better dental hygiene practices.
Dr. Appiah emphasised the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being, noting that many individuals tend to neglect dental issues until they become severe, often leading to complications that could have been prevented with early detection and treatment.
He stressed that regular dental check-ups were essential in identifying potential oral health problems at an early stage, thereby reducing the risk of serious conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
He said the exercise was targeting 5000 beneficiaries this year, adding that sensitisation and screenings have also been conducted at multiple locations, including the Tema Community Eleven Complex School, Tema Parents Association School, and Cosmos Seafood Company, with the one held at the Dental Unit of the hospital being the climax.
He further encouraged the public to prioritise their oral health by practicing good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, reducing sugar intake, and visiting a dentist at least twice a year.
Ms. Beatrice Mamle Assem, Dental Surgery Assistant, at the Tema General Hospital, took the participants through causes and prevention of tooth caries and proper brushing techniques.
Ms. Assem emphasised that tooth caries, commonly known as cavities, was a leading cause of tooth decay and could be prevented with proper oral care, explaining that consuming excessive sugary foods, neglecting oral hygiene, and improper brushing techniques contribute to the problem.
Demonstrating the correct brushing method, she advised residents to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, brushing in gentle circular motions for at least two minutes, while highlighting the importance of flossing and regular dental checkups.
Madam Victoria Martey, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the organisers of the screening and asked for God’s blessings for them, saying, “I come to the dental clinic once in a while when I have dental issues, and I’m happy to have benefitted from today’s free screening also.”
Participants also received professional advice on proper dental care, brushing techniques, and the importance of regular dental check-ups and were given toothpaste and a toothbrush each.
GNA
LS/BM