THE Dental Association of Nigeria has said the general attitude of Nigerians to oral health has significantly improved unlike in times past. The Vice – Chairman of the Association, Dr. Seye Logede who stated this on Tuesday as part of efforts to mark the 2018 World Oral Health Day said poor dental health could affect a person’s general health and well-being as the mouth is the gateway to the body.


According NAN, Logede who is a Principal Dental Officer in the Oral Diagnosis Unit of the National Hospital, ‎Abuja, said the use of social media contributed to the success recorded. He explained that poor oral hygiene could also affect the psychological well-being of a person and make one lose self-confidence.


‎“Your total psychological well-being is affected when you have bad oral hygiene; you would not be able to speak or smile in public and people will find it unpleasant talking with you.’’


He also said that a person with poor oral health would find eating food and taking cold or hot drinks unpleasant.


“When your‎ teeth and gum are in poor condition, you can no longer enjoy your food; if you take cold or hot drinks, your teeth will scream aloud.‎”


He advised Nigerians to see dentist every six months at most while children should have routine checks during teething period. He also advised Nigerians to brush their teeth twice a day.