'Massive challenge': Serere residents eating their teeth out
To prevent tooth loss, residents were urged during the dental health camp to eat a balanced diet, limit sugary snacks, stay hydrated, practice good oral hygiene, and visit the dentist regularly.
Locals thronging Serere Health Centre IV to receive specialised dental medical service from an initiative established by their area MP Emmanuel Omoding Okabe. (Photos by Javier Omagor)
By Javier Silas Omagor and Elizabeth Naula
Journalists @New Vision
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At just 25 years old, Alice Apio from Serere district has lost four teeth as a result of poor eating habits and inadequate dental care.
By her own admission, the resident of Olio village in Kateta sub-county says the consequences of neglecting oral health "are all too real".
Hers is a reality many people in Serere are similarly facing.
Thirteen-year-old Florence Akello, a Primary Six pupil at Kateta Primary School, has lost two teeth.
"Losing teeth has made me feel self-conscious about smiling in class. My friends would often ask why my mouth had tooth-gaps, and it made me want to hide," she says.
Dr. Wyne Lose who led the American group of doctors to Serere sharing with a Ugandan dentist during the Serere Dental Camp.
Winnie Adele, 18, is also struggling with tooth loss, having recently lost a tooth and is worried about losing more. "I'm scared of losing more teeth. It is painful and affects my self-esteem as a young girl."
In Uganda's eastern district of Serere, poor eating habits are taking a toll on residents' oral health. The district is grappling with an alarming rate of tooth decay and loss, particularly among children and young adults.
According to dental experts, the high consumption of sugary foods and inadequate dental care are significant contributors to this growing health concern.
The situation is further complicated by the limited access to dental services. Serere Health Centre IV, for instance, is struggling to cope with the influx of patients and the shortage of trained personnel.
'Welcome relief'
A team of dentists from America, led by Dr Wayne Lose from mPower Approach (a non-profit), has arrived to address the situation in the form of a dental health camp.
"The dental challenge in Serere is massive. We've seen numerous cases of tooth decay and gum disease, primarily due to poor eating habits and lack of dental care. That's why we've made it a mandatory annual programme to visit and treat the people of Serere," said Lose.
A section of patients waiting to be served during the ongoing Serere Dental Health Camp.
He spoke of the importance of capacity-building programmes for sustainability. "We don't just provide treatment; we also train local health workers to ensure the community can maintain good oral health practices long-term."
Theirs is an initiative that is part of ongoing efforts to empower the community and promote sustainable healthcare solutions.
Serere County MP Emmanuel Omoding-Okabe requested the team's intervention, recognising the urgent need for dental care in this area.
"We've been advocating for better healthcare services, including dental care. The arrival of these dentists is a welcome relief for our community," he said.
According to Angella Akajo, a public health dental officer at Serere Health Centre IV, poor eating habits are the main cause of tooth loss.
"Locals are losing teeth due to excessive sugar intake and lack of essential nutrients. We need to educate our community on proper nutrition and oral hygiene practices," she said.
To prevent tooth loss, residents were urged during the dental health camp to eat a balanced diet, limit sugary snacks, stay hydrated, practice good oral hygiene, and visit the dentist regularly.
According to Lose, by taking these simple steps, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of tooth decay and loss and maintain good oral health for life.