Increasing cases of oral cancers, gum disease and severe tooth decay have been discovered during a free dental outreach in Cape Coast, with health experts warning of a growing public health concern in Ghana.
The outreach, organised by Smile4Ghana, benefited more than 1,000 residents and formed part of activities marking a free dental health campaign in the area.
The programme was sponsored by Entrance University of Health Sciences, a subsidiary of the Tobinco Group, British Airways, Mandef and other partners.
Speaking to journalist Ebenezer Madugu after a career guidance event held at the University of Cape Coast for some senior high school students, UK-based Ghanaian surgeon and leader of Smile4Ghana, Dr George Brown, said the outreach recorded worrying dental conditions among both adults and children.
According to him, the medical team attended to over 1,200 people, with some receiving medical care and others receiving dental treatment.
Dr Brown said the team saw cases ranging from oral cancers and developmental conditions to widespread tooth decay and gum disease.
He revealed that some children as young as five years old had severe tooth decay affecting almost every tooth in their mouths.
He also noted that diabetes was another major condition identified during the outreach.
Dr Brown described the situation as a serious public health issue and stressed the need for preventive care, especially because Ghana has limited dental professionals.
He advised parents to reduce sugary foods and drinks given to children and encourage proper brushing habits.
According to him, Ghana is now facing tooth decay problems similar to those experienced in the United Kingdom in the 1970s due to unhealthy eating habits and increased sugar consumption.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu
