A dentist attending to a patron of the campaign
PEPSODENT GHANA kick-started its ‘Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late #TalkToADentist’ campaign to sensitise Ghanaians on the need to visit a dentist regularly.
The campaign, which is part of events to celebrate this year’s World Oral Health Day, offered free dental screenings across various places in Ghana.
The campaign stems from global research conducted by Pepsodent which revealed that in Ghana, 4 out of 5 people have lost all their teeth by the age of 65.
It said adults who have lost their teeth have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and are at risk of malnutrition; can experience sleep deficiency, be discriminated against, or suffer loss of self-confidence and anxiety.
Having access to a dentist’s advice as soon as a problem arises is the most effective way to avoid serious dental outcomes like tooth loss, Pepsodent has noted.
Joel Boateng, Oral Care Category Manager at Unilever Ghana, says “As part of our brand’s ongoing mission to unleash the power of healthy smiles by eradicating oral disease for everyone, we are providing free dental check-ups via dental screening centres around the country. Our World Oral Health Day 2022 campaign, ‘Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late #TalkToADentist’ aims to help raise awareness to ensure Ghanaians understand the importance of acting early, from the moment a problem arises. Through this service, we aim to help Ghanaians take control of their oral health and avoid severe pain, costly and complicated treatments, and ultimately tooth loss.”
Dr. Paapa Puplampu, President, Ghana Dental Association says, “People often ignore the warning signs of a problem, such as toothache or gum bleeding, hoping it will go away. However, talking to a dentist at the first sign of a problem can help to fix issues before they become serious. Understanding the terrible consequences of waiting, such as severe pain, more difficult and costly treatments, and ultimately tooth loss, is vital to helping people realise why early identification and treatment is so important.”
It is in this light that Pepsodent has partnered with the Ghana Dental Association to provide free dental check-ups via dental camps across the country. So far, such free dental camps have benefited over 100,000 Ghanaians at the Ministry of Information, Okaishe Market, Bogoso-Apiate, Haatso-Ecomog, Zenu, New Abirem, Afigya-Kwabre South District, Koforidua, Dunkwa-Offin, Accra Mall, Westhills Mall, and Junction Mall, among others.
A business desk report