March 20 was designated as the international day of world oral health.

It is observed to raise global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene.

People across the world are asked to be rational to help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affect individuals, health systems and ways to have good oral health. The theme of this year’s world oral health day is: "Be proud of your mouth”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the purpose is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), in collaboration with oral health stakeholders, screened 321 people for oral diseases at Kigali Heights and Nyamirambo sites during the be-weekly car free day.

READ ALSO: Why you shouldn’t neglect your teeth or gums

Dr. Lambert Nduwayezu, a dentist at Polyfam clinic, told The New Times that most oral health cases are pain due to tooth decay, periodontal diseases and anaesthesia problems.

"Ages between seven to 40 years experience pain due to tooth decay mostly caused by sugary foods. Above 40, related cases are loose adult teeth. On the flip page, Anaesthesia cases below age 30 mostly want enamel shaping, braces, implants to improve their appearances among others.”

The dentist recommended that families should take precautions at family level, proper regular check-ups at least twice a year, whenever you experience toothache or bleeding gums, cleaning their teeth properly, and helping out an individual who is unable to do it, especially kids.

READ ALSO: How your oral health affects your body

Recent national oral health survey statistics indicated that 64.9% of the participants in the survey had experienced dental caries, while 54.3% of them were untreated. Among adults aged 20 years and above, 32.4% had substantial oral debris and 60.0% had calculus, while the majority (70.6%) had never visited an Oral health provider.

Due to these oral conditions, 63.9% of patients reported pain, difficulty chewing (42.2%), and difficulty participating in usual activities (35.4%).

READ ALSO: Oral health: What causes dry mouth?

Top 9 tips to maintain fantastic oral health:

1. Brush thoroughly: For optimum results brush your teeth for between two and three minutes.

2. Use fluoridated toothpaste: Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of tooth decay.

3. Floss your teeth daily: Use a slow and gentle sawing motion. Ask your dentist for instructions if you’re unsure on the technique you should use.

4. Reduce your intake of acidic drinks like soft drinks; fizzy drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.

5. Limit sugary foods: Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids which dissolve the minerals in your teeth and lead to cavities.

6. Protect your teeth from injury: Wear a mouth-guard when playing sports. You can buy these off the shelf or have them custom-fitted by your dentist.

7. Try to save a knocked-out tooth; If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately

8. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food: If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

9. See your dentist for regular check-ups: You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.