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By Enyeribe Ejiogu (enyeribee@yahoo.com)
For three years, starting this year and ending in 2026, the International Federation of Dentists, known globally by its French-language acronym, FDI, will run a campaign to promote good oral health as a key component of the general well-being of the body, which is achieved through healthy living practices and good dietary habits.
The global parent body of dentists has been conducting awareness for oral health for about 17 years in collaboration with national associations of dentists affiliated with it.
The theme for the three-year campaign, A HAPPY MOUTH IS…A HAPPY BODY is already running. Around the world, national associations of dentists are moving to domesticate and give expression to the theme of the campaign through a series of events to be held on March 20, which is celebrated as World Oral Health Day.
The 2024 campaign focuses on the intricate link between oral health and general health. It intends to empower everyone, everywhere, to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so, they can also protect and enhance their overall well-being.
One dental surgeon who has shown great passion in promoting good dental care and encouraging individuals through one-on-one counselling sessions in his professional practice, sponsored radio programme (Radio Nigeria FM) and holding public awareness/enlightenment outreach programmes in schools, community gatherings and in collaboration with churches is Dr. Olukayode Adeyanju, who incidentally is also a pastor.
Adeyanju, who studied dentistry at the Obafemi Awolowo University and graduated in 1990, has chalked up 34 years of solid, cognate experience in core dental care practice, both in the public and private healthcare sectors, part of which was spent in the United States for two years to learn global best practices, gain very valuable experience and exposure to modern technology employed in various dental surgical procedures.
As the Medical Director of Divine Dental Centre, Victoria Island (with branches in Isolo and Ikorodu), Adeyanju has brought to his dental awareness outreaches the same degree of passion he deploys in the open-air evangelism crusades held by his church.
This year, and in keeping with the spirit of the World Oral Health Day, Adeyanju will mobilise Nigerians to join the global journey to healthier, happier lives, by participating in activities to mark the 2024 World Oral Health Day on March 20. The purpose of the awareness events is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.
Participants in the various outreach events will receive oral health education and access certain oral care services provided alongside the teachings, which would enable the beneficiaries to become vanguards in the national effort to reduce the burden of oral diseases that affect individuals and their finances as well as weigh down healthcare systems.
Why a happy mouth?
Biologically, the mouth is called the buccal or oral cavity. It ‘houses’ the 32 teeth that make up the complete adult dentition (if the person has not lost any tooth)
To aid easy swallowing and for effective digestion of meals, the teeth masticate (chew or grind) food materials such as nuts, meat, fish, rice, beans, vegetables, carrots, yam, and plantain, among other foods eaten by human beings.
“The pleasant smiles that adorn the faces of happy people are easily attributable to the good care of the dentition.
Also within the oral cavity are the hard and soft palate,” Adeyanju says, adding, “The mouth houses the taste buds that make you enjoy your delicacies.”
Also, within the oral cavity, you find the tongue, which is a major muscle vital to some life activities that take place in the mouth.
Speech and digestion
Your mouth houses all soft tissues in the cheek and the floor. The upper and lower lips are part of the mouth. They come in various shapes, sizes and colours. In every sense, the mouth is the gateway into the body.
Quite importantly, the mouth plays a major role in speech and human oral communication. It is by the mouth that we smile, express grief, pain and exhilaration and excitement.
“One other important thing to note about the mouth is that it provides access for harmful micro-organisms to invade and infect the body. That is why we must engage in proper oral care, to ensure the health of the mouth and the well-being of the whole body.
“So, you can easily see the reason behind the theme of this year’s World Oral Health Day. Truly, a happy mouth is a happy body and a happy life,” Adeyanju says with a broad smile.
However, Adeyanju notes with pastoral concern that the campaign is coming at a very difficult time in the history of the nation.
“Nigerians have more than enough life challenges to contend with in our daily living. The multifarious challenges have practically wiped off smiles from the faces of people. Among the challenges are the rising cost of food, the high cost of transportation and galloping inflation which has gone through the roof.
“In a time like this, despite the difficulties, I believe one can still find cause to smile and lighten the heaviness of the present bad economic situation. The way to achieve that is to focus more on your circle of influence and pour your energy into your circle of concern.
“Take primary interest in what is directly under your power, control and influence, such as your lifestyle, your reaction to information, and of course your daily habits. Be positive about the future.”
