Dentists have warned that waiting until toothache develops before seeking treatment could allow oral diseases to worsen, urging the public to undergo dental check-ups at least once every six months to facilitate early diagnosis and prevent complications.

Dr Amon Mwesigwa of Brighter Smiles Dental Services in Mbarara City said many people only visit dental facilities when they experience pain, often delaying treatment until their conditions have advanced and become more difficult to manage.

Speaking to our reporter, Mwesigwa called on the public to make routine dental examinations part of their healthcare practices, noting that early detection can help prevent complications and reduce the cost of treatment.

He urged people to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning their mouths after meals to remove food particles that may contribute to plaque formation.

Mwesigwa cautioned against sharing toothbrushes and advised people to replace them approximately every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn out.

He also called for reduced consumption of sugary foods and drinks, particularly among children, warning that frequent exposure to sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases affected an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide in 2019, making them a major public health concern.

In Uganda, WHO estimates based on 2019 data indicate that 38.3 per cent of children aged one to nine had untreated decay in their primary teeth, while 24.9 per cent of people aged five and above had untreated decay in permanent teeth. Severe gum disease affected an estimated 19.2 per cent of people aged 15 and above.

Mwesigwa said many oral health problems could be prevented through proper hygiene, healthier lifestyles and early treatment.

He expressed concern over dental injuries resulting from road traffic accidents and other incidents, which he said often leave victims with damaged or missing teeth and injuries to the jaws.

He identified poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption among the factors contributing to oral health problems.

Mwesigwa also observed that awareness of oral health care had improved, citing growing demand for orthodontic treatment, including braces used to correct misaligned teeth.

He attributed the trend to increased public sensitisation, the availability of dental specialists and improved access to health facilities.

He urged the public to prioritise preventive dental care, saying regular check-ups, proper brushing and early intervention could reduce complications and the cost of treatment.