Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
ORAL hygiene has been highlighted as a key pillar of overall health, as Zimbabwe joined the global community in marking World Oral Health Day this Friday at United Bulawayo Hospitals.
Held under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Mind,” the event brought together health professionals, patients and Government officials to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral health.
“Today, we are commemorating World Oral Health Day. It is a very important day that reminds us to continuously check our teeth because if we do not take care of them, they can become a serious problem. We thank our government for this initiative,” Ayanda Freeman Moyo said.
Sisasenkosi Ncube highlighted the educational value of the initiative.
“I learnt a lot today. We should visit dentists every six months, brush our teeth regularly and floss. Oral health contributes greatly to the overall health of individuals and communities.”
Health experts and officials stressed the importance of preventive care and routine dental check-ups.
“The theme for this year is ‘A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Mind,’ but I would say a healthy mouth is a healthy life. The oral cavity is the gateway to life. We get nourishment through it, we speak through it, and our social engagement depends on it. Without it, it becomes difficult to do anything,” Senior Government Dental Officer, Dr Sailas Usai
Deputy Director for Environmental Planning and Management, Mrs Norah Mupaza, described the event as a call to action.
“Oral health is often overlooked, yet it is a fundamental part of overall well-being. A healthy mouth enables us to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and smile with confidence, while poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, and other complications. Today’s event is not just a celebration, but a call to action.”
The commemorations featured free dental check-ups and awareness campaigns, reinforcing the importance of oral hygiene in promoting overall health.
