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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry and President of the Nigerian Society for Restorative Dentistry, Professor Linda Okoye, has warned that Nigeria is facing a growing tooth decay crisis due to the Federal Government’s neglect of oral healthcare.
Okoye made the call yesterday, while delivering the 236th inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, titled, “Beyond the smile: The myth, the truth and the control of tooth decay.”
She decried the poor funding of oral health in the country, describing it as grossly inadequate.
“Oral healthcare in Nigeria is trampled upon. Right now, the budget for oral health is less than 0.5 percent of the entire budget. It’s too poor. Recognise oral healthcare and integrate it into the country’s overall health, because oral health affects overall health,” she said.
The professor called for urgent government’s intervention, including stricter regulation of sugar consumption and mandatory labelling of sugar content in food and beverages.
“Make sure that everything that is sold in the market is labelled with the sugar content. Let people not be deceived. You think you’re drinking an ordinary soft drink, but you don’t know the quantity of refined sugar in it.
“Government should also control the quantity of sugar that is released, especially to primary school children.”
She also advocated water fluoridation programmes, particularly for children, noting that low natural fluoride levels in many parts of Nigeria were increasing vulnerability to tooth decay.
“Enugu indigenes are not getting enough fluoride from their water and grain. We have just about 0.3 milligram per litre, which is not enough. Internationally, the minimum level is 0.7,” she explained.
With limited natural sources, she said fluoridated toothpaste remains the most accessible line of defence for Nigerians.
“We are left with the option of brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Brush your teeth twice every day.”
She linked the rising cases of tooth decay to modern dietary habits, especially frequent sugar intake.
“Sugar is the enemy, fluoride is your friend. If you want to prevent tooth decay, you must reduce sugar and if you must take sugar, take it as a meal, not in between meals.”
Drawing from over three decades of research, she warned that without urgent intervention, the crisis would continue to worsen.
“Beyond research, we need action. If we don’t act now, more Nigerians will continue to suffer avoidable tooth decay.”
She stressed that stronger policies, increased funding and sustained public awareness are critical to reversing the trend.
