Residents of Tema and Ashaiman have benefited from a free oral health screening exercise organised by the Dental Department of Tema General Hospital as part of activities marking World Oral Health Day.

The initiative, which aims to reach approximately 5,000 people, focused on raising awareness of oral hygiene while providing direct screening services to residents.

The celebration was observed through a week-long programme that included community education, outreach to schools, and free dental check-ups for learners and residents within the hospital’s catchment area.

Speaking during the exercise under the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” Dr Ann Boateng, a Medical Officer at the Dental Department of Tema General Hospital, emphasised the significance of this year’s celebration in promoting preventive oral care.

Dr Boateng explained that oral health remained a critical yet often neglected aspect of general wellbeing, noting that such campaigns were essential in encouraging early detection and treatment of dental conditions.

She said most Ghanaians did not prioritise regular dental check-ups, often seeking medical attention only when they begin to experience severe pain, stressing that delayed treatment frequently resulted in complications that could have been avoided through routine screening.

She further stressed the importance of maintaining consistent and proper oral hygiene practices, such as daily brushing of teeth, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and visiting the dental clinic at least twice a year for routine check-ups.

Dr Boateng added that maintaining good oral hygiene was not only essential for preventing dental diseases but also contributed to overall health, as poor oral conditions have been linked to other systemic illnesses.

Dr Boateng, who doubles as the Chairperson of the World Oral Health Day (WOHD) Planning Committee, Tema General Hospital, also raised concerns about the increasing reliance on unqualified practitioners, commonly referred to as ‘quack doctors,’ and warned that seeking treatment from individuals without the appropriate training and certification could result in serious health risks, urging the public to always consult licensed dental professionals.

She cautioned against the use of harsh and unapproved substances for teeth whitening, noting that some of these products could erode enamel and cause long-term damage, and advised that any cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening, should be carried out under professional supervision.

Pastor Ernest Yeboah Addo of Action Chapel, Tema Community Two, who benefited from the screening, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as both timely and beneficial.

He further underscored the need for intensified public education, particularly at the basic school level, to ensure that children develop a clear understanding of proper oral hygiene practices from an early age.