Kwara renews commitment to Oral Hygiene awareness

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting proper oral hygiene as part of its broader healthcare agenda, as it joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 World Oral Health Day.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the government said the annual observance is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of oral health and encouraging residents to adopt healthy habits.

Speaking at a commemorative event in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, highlighted the growing global burden of oral diseases.

She noted that nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral health conditions, with untreated tooth decay ranking as the most common. According to her, oral health is often overlooked despite its strong links to serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

The commissioner also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained support and investment in the state’s health sector.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Kazali Ajao, described oral hygiene as the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and free from diseases such as tooth decay, gum infections, and bad breath.

He emphasized that maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents infections but also enhances confidence and overall wellbeing. He further advised students to store their toothbrushes properly to avoid contamination from insects like cockroaches and wall geckos, which can carry harmful bacteria.

Also speaking, the State Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Jubril Abdul Kareem, outlined key preventive measures, including brushing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, reducing sugar consumption, and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups.

The Principal of Fate Basin Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Ibrahim Mulikat Maiyaki, commended the government for choosing the school as the venue for the event and urged students to adopt proper oral hygiene practices.

The event underscored the importance of oral health awareness and encouraged both students and the general public to embrace healthier habits for improved wellbeing.