By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, March 20, GNA – Dr James Amoateng, a dental surgeon, author, and former staff member of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has stressed that good oral health from infancy is essential for overall health and well-being.
He said the oral health of infants and children must not be overlooked, as it plays a critical role in their growth and development.
Dr Amoateng made the remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi to mark World Oral Health Day.
According to him, oral health in children is closely linked to their general health, explaining that untreated dental conditions could affect a child’s ability to speak, eat, and learn effectively.
He urged parents and caregivers to prioritise oral hygiene education for children and not take it for granted.
Dr Amoateng noted that poor oral care could lead to pain, infections, and long-term complications if not addressed early.
He explained that many parents overlook the need to clean a baby’s mouth even before teeth begin to appear, stressing that this practice is important in preventing early childhood dental problems.
He added that conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections are increasingly being recorded among children due to poor hygiene practices and excessive intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Dr Amoateng advised parents to start oral care routines early by gently cleaning infants’ gums with a soft cloth and introducing toothbrushes as soon as the first tooth appears.
He also encouraged regular dental check-ups for children, noting that early detection of oral health issues could prevent severe complications and reduce treatment costs.
In addition, he called for intensified public education on proper brushing techniques, healthy diets, and the dangers of prolonged use of feeding bottles, especially at night.
He stressed that maintaining good oral hygiene does not necessarily require expensive resources, but rather consistency and the right knowledge.
Dr Amoateng highlighted the role of schools in promoting oral health education through regular awareness campaigns and hygiene practices.
As World Oral Health Day is observed, he said stakeholders were expected to organise outreach programmes, free screenings, and educational campaigns to sensitise the public.
He further called on government and private institutions to invest more in oral healthcare infrastructure and services, particularly in underserved communities.
He reiterated that prevention remains the most effective approach to oral health, especially among infants and children.
Dr Amoateng urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s oral hygiene, describing it as a key component of overall child development.
He concluded that safeguarding the oral health of children today would help ensure a healthier future generation and reduce the burden of dental diseases in the country.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Audrey Dekalu