The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has organised a seminar to promote oral care and health hygiene among people with disabilities. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and improve the health and well-being of people with special needs.
Speaking at the event, held on Monday at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, tagged: “Oral Health: A Key to Cardiovascular Health”, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said the event was designed to address the critical health challenges often faced by individuals, including persons with disabilities, which could lead to serious health complications.
She explained that the event, with a special focus on the oral-systemic connection, aims to protect the heart through oral care and promote better oral health to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Lagos State. According to her, the event was also intended to equip about 200 participants with the right knowledge, tools, and resources to enhance oral care practices and, by extension, improve their overall health.
In her words: “Many people don’t know how important it is to understand that what happens in their mouth is connected to their brain. Because we have special children who can’t brush by themselves or have the muscular strength to do so, they must undergo occupational and physical therapy to enhance the strength in their mouths. Sadly, many of them suffer and live with poor oral hygiene.”
The purpose of the event, according to her, was to highlight the importance of all these factors and to inform parents about the significance of nutrition and oral health. The event also provided a platform for experts to offer advice on how parents can improve both their own and their children’s oral health.
“Today, we are carrying out some on-the-spot scaling and polishing, and most participants will receive dental assessments from the dentist. Our special children will benefit from scaling and polishing; almost 100 children will benefit today. We hope that, with the impact of this event, we will not only continue these initiatives but also increase our capacity,” she said.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised the importance of taking proactive steps towards ensuring a healthier future for all, stressing that oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, which is often overlooked. She added that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to create awareness, provide lasting solutions, and offer essential support to everyone in this regard.
The Guest Speaker at the event, Dr. Funmi Adeniyi stressed the need for regular brushing of teeth, mouth flossing, and visits to the dentist at least twice a year to prevent oral diseases and improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities. She also encouraged parents and caregivers to ensure that children drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetables as a way to prevent oral challenges.
“Please ensure that you visit the dentist twice a year, brush your teeth regularly, and make sure you see a dentist who specialises in treating PWDs. Additionally, make tooth brushing interesting and creative for the children,” she added.
Participants were given free dental care services, along with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other practical guidance on maintaining their oral hygiene.
