Oral diseases are a global issue, not just limited to Rwanda. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of oral health problem. Over 2.5 billion people experience tooth decay, and many others struggle with gum disease.
Additionally, an estimated 350 million people lose at least one tooth, and $380 billion is spent annually on treating these issues globally.
In honor of World Oral Health Day, KFH has committed to assess the oral health of its staff, patients, and visitors to evaluate their oral hygiene and needs.
Dr. Madeleine Uwamahoro, the Head of the Oral and Dental Surgery Department at KFH, emphasized that oral health affects not only the teeth but also the surrounding tissues, and these conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent.
“During routine examinations, it is rare to find a person without dental problems or oral health issues. You could examine people for a month and hardly encounter someone with perfect oral health,” she said.
Consequences of neglecting oral health
A 2021 study by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) found that 57% of people do not regularly seek dental checkups, with 92.8% only visiting a dentist when they experience pain. Only 1% of individuals engage in routine dental visits.
Dr. Uwamahoro stressed that untreated oral health issues can lead to serious health complications, such as miscarriage and stroke.
“Oral diseases have a direct impact on the bloodstream. Pregnant women with poor oral health are at risk of giving birth to underweight babies, and in some cases, this could lead to miscarriage. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exacerbate gum issues, and combined with inadequate nutrition, it becomes a significant health risk for both mother and child.”
She also pointed out the challenges children face, particularly with severe dental issues that often go untreated. Some young children lose all their teeth, requiring anesthesia for proper treatment, which complicates care.
Dr. Uwamahoro further highlighted the social stigma faced by individuals with crooked teeth, who may have difficulty eating, speaking, or facing other challenges, including heart-related issues.
“Certain bacteria in the mouth can contribute to heart disease. Some people develop swelling due to bacteria in the mouth, which can enter the bloodstream and cause a stroke. These infections can also affect the respiratory system.”
The need for advocacy and timely treatment
Dr. Uwamahoro noted that issues like gum disease and jawbone problems are long-term conditions that require consistent care.
With over 10 years of experience at KFH, Dr. Uwamahoro shared that tooth decay and gum diseases are the most common oral health concerns in Rwanda.
“On average, we treat between 700 and 800 patients each month, including returning patients. This is a high number, and it shows that people need to be more proactive about their oral health,” she added.
She encouraged the public to adopt proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing their teeth at least twice a day, changing toothbrushes every three months, and scheduling regular dental visits every six months.
KFH has pledged to assess the oral health of over 500 individuals to provide them with the necessary guidance and recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene.
A woman who recently visited KFH for a dental checkup shared her thoughts on the initiative: “I’ve had dental issues for a while, mainly due to sugary drinks, but this initiative has been incredibly helpful. I’ve been considering seeing a dentist but was concerned about the costs. I encourage others to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Focusing on prevention and early diagnosis
KFH is not only focused on diagnosing oral health problems but also on preventive measures. The hospital is dedicated to educating the public about proper oral care, identifying early signs of disease, and making treatments more accessible.
The hospital is working to ensure that dental care services are readily available, particularly for common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth replacement, and restoring appearance with prosthetics.
KFH provides specialized care, including treatments for damaged teeth, oral surgeries to correct dental problems, cleaning, aligning teeth, advanced diagnostic tools for detecting serious diseases, and gum disease treatment. The hospital also offers surgeries for abscesses and other dental issues.
Additionally, KFH offers special services for children, which may require full or partial anesthesia to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.
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