Rural dwellers urged to seek early dental treatment

Kumasi, Feb.3, GNA – A dental specialist has advised rural dwellers not to be apprehensive about dental diseases but rather seek early medical attention when the need arises.

Dr James Amoateng, Head of the Dental Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), said good oral health and hygiene, especially among young children, should be one of the prime health concerns of parents in rural communities.

Dr Amoateng gave the advice when he led a team of experts and other medical officials to undertake oral health outreach programmes in some communities in the Bosomtwe district.

It was organised by KATH in collaboration with Work of the World-Ghana, a non-governmental organization, engaged in medical outreach programmes.

About 3,983 people in Abono, Obo, Nkowi, Pipie, Adwafo, Kuntanase, Nyameani, Worakose and Abease communities were screened and treated of various dental problems.

Dr Amoateng said the team identified diseases such as caries and peri-odontal among children and warned parents against giving too much candy and other sweet confectionaries to their children, saying the practice leads to tooth decay.

Dr Amoateng, said the outreach programme, which is conducted annually, was also to enable dentistry students to gain experience under appropriate supervision.

He mentioned some of the procedures the team undertook as scaling, extraction and filling to treat the affected persons.

Dr Amoateng said a play on oral health was acted by some school pupils to educate the people on the need for good oral health, adding that, free brushes and tooth pastes were also given to children.

He said KATH would continue to intensify oral health education and treatment in the rural parts of the region.

GNA