Dental Association Explains Effect Of Poor Oral Health
The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has expressed concerns over the neglect of oral health, stressing that poor oral health affects general well-being.
Speaking at a joint press conference organised by Unilever Nigeria and NDA, to mark the World Oral Health Day, 2025, President of the NDA, Dr Elias Emedom, underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Mind,” stressing the connection between oral health and mental well-being.
Emedom said, “This year’s theme highlights and seeks to draw attention to the importance of the relationship between our health and mental well-being.
“The importance of good oral health in maintaining general health and quality of life has now been widely recognized and acknowledged. However, there appears to be the neglect of the relationship that exists between oral health and mental health, despite supporting findings from evidence-based research.”
Dr Emedom pointed out that many still overlook the impact of oral health on mental well-being.
“Reports reveal that poor oral health negatively impacts our human dignity, self-respect, confidence, esteem, general well-being and overall quality of life,” he noted.
In his remarks, Personal Care, Research & Development Head of Africa, Unilever, Uchenna Nwakanma, stated that Unilever, through Pepsodent, remains absolutely committed to boosting oral health awareness and increasing access to dental care globally, as demonstrated by the various programmes and partnership embarked upon by the company, adding that the goal is to eradicate oral disease for everyone.
