Are you too busy to brush your teeth?

By Augustine Oduor

Only one in ten adult Kenyans brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes as recommended, experts say.

Studies show the average time people brush their teeth is 45 seconds, which is less than half the necessary time.

Rushing to leave the house for work and other engagements are the reasons given by most people for the rush in brushing their teeth.

These statistics were released yesterday as Kenya marked World Oral Health Day for the first time since its inception in 2008.

The celebrations under the theme Oral health for life is aimed at increasing awareness for oral health, as well as the impact of oral diseases on health, well-being and national economy.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Public Health in partnership with Colgate Palmolive, saw 2,000 mouths screened for diseases.

Those with broken teeth were replaced and some repaired at St Paul Primary School in Mbotela, Nairobi. Each was given toothpaste and brush.

"Brushing, flossing, rinsing and seeing a dentist is the only way to ensure proper oral health," said Henry Simiyu, Oral Health Association chairman.

Antony Esyalai, the Colgate Marketing Manager said on average, Kenyans consume 32ml per capita of toothpaste, which translates to brushing only once in nine days. He said the statistics show the need for greater public sensitisation on the benefits of good oral healthcare habits. Nairobi Provincial Dental Officer Alfred Owiti said most people brush their teeth for shorter time and most of the time at the wrong time.

"Some people wake up, brush their teeth then have breakfast. Others brush after dinner then take sugary tea. This is wrong," he said.

Dr Owiti said teeth ought to be brushed after meals, preferably in the morning and after supper and not before meals.

"People must really get into the habit of brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Good brushing is essential to prevent tooth decay," he said.

Crowded teeth

Owiti said gum diseases, tooth decay and crowded teeth are some of the complications resulting from such practices. Chief Dental Surgeon and head of Division of Dental Services Stephen Irungu said the day was a perfect opportunity for the dental fraternity to raise awareness, promote and advocate for oral health issues.

"Gum disease is the largest cause of tooth loss in adults. Poor oral health is linked to serious illnesses such as strokes and diabetes, yet it is a preventable condition that only requires oral health routine at home," he said.

Owiti said parents must teach children good dental habits because they are more susceptible to diseases. He said most children swallow paste, which is hazardous to their health.

"A bacteria forms at the throat. Some escape into the blood stream causing infections that lodge in heart valves. This damages valves," he said.

He added: "Fluoride gets into the blood stream of children and also into the developing teeth. This makes bones and teeth brittle and prone to fractures. Children should be given non-fluoridated paste until age 12".