Toothache: A Preventable Crisis in Nigerian Oral Health
Toothache is a widespread yet preventable issue in Nigeria, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that oral diseases affect nearly 3.7 billion people globally, and untreated tooth decay being the most common health condition. According to Salmon Oladapo, a Senior Registrar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), tooth decay develops gradually from consuming sweets and chocolate, with bacteria producing acid that dissolves teeth over time. He explains: “It is the acid produced by the bacteria that begins to dissolve the tooth. This process does not happen instantly, it occurs gradually over a period of time, weakening the tooth and eventually leading to cavities.”
This matters because dental care access is limited, particularly in rural areas, and many delay seeking help until pain forces them, risking severe complications. Oladapo warns that infections can spread, causing swelling and potentially even eye loss, and that painkillers only mask symptoms without treating the cause. Early signs like pain while eating or bleeding gums are often ignored.
Prevention is key: brush regularly, reduce sugar intake, visit dentists every six months, and perform self-checks. “I will advise people to check their mouths in front of a mirror,” Oladapo says, urging early intervention to avoid higher costs and worse outcomes.
With high sugar consumption and poor hygiene habits common, will you prioritize regular dental visits and sugar reduction, or risk expensive emergencies and health deterioration later?