Despite its pivotal role in overall health, dental hygiene remains a neglected aspect of healthcare in Lesotho, leaving many vulnerable to the devastating effects of oral diseases.
Lack of access to proper dental care is widespread. Many people in rural areas do not have access to a dentist, and even in urban areas, dentists are few and far between.
The high costs and social stigmas attached to dental care prevent many from seeking treatment, exacerbating the situation. This, notwithstanding that a wave of oral health initiatives is spreading across the nation, with stakeholders teaming up to educate and treat the population.
The drive for better dental health in Lesotho is part of a wider cultural shift towards preventative medicines and healthy living.
WHO defines oral health as the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enable individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking.
According to the organisation, oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people.
WHO states that oral diseases are caused by a range of modifiable risk factors common to many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including sugar consumption, tobacco use, alcohol use and poor hygiene, and their underlying social and commercial determinants.
The organisation further notes that oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries (tooth decay) – the most common health condition according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma (mouth), as well as birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.
Amidst community-led efforts, Lesotho commemorated the national Oral Health Awareness Day on August 23, spearheaded by the ministry of health and supported by some international organisations.
The event which took place in Mafeteng under the theme: “Protect your teeth and avoid tooth loss” saw hundreds of people from all walks of life gather to learn about the importance of dental health and the various initiatives underway to improve access to care.
The campaign is earmarked to help upscale and intensify the provision of oral health services at community level, and offer the services at grassroots level for free.
Speaking at the commemoration, WHO representative in Lesotho, Dr Mary Stephen, said oral health encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialise and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment.
Dr Stephen highlighted that oral diseases pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death.
While the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, he said, the overall burden of oral health conditions on services, globally, is likely to keep increasing because of population growth and ageing.
“People of low socioeconomic status carry a higher burden of oral diseases, and this association remains across the life course, from early childhood to older age, and regardless of the country’s overall income level.
“Sadly, treatment for oral health conditions is expensive and usually not part of universal health coverage (UHC). Most low- and middle-income countries do not have sufficient services available to prevent and treat oral health conditions.
“But the good news is that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. Therefore, prevention is key in reducing the burden of oral diseases,” she noted.
She added that the burden of oral diseases and other non-communicable diseases can be reduced through public health interventions by addressing common risk factors.
“These include; promoting a well-balanced diet low in free sugars and high in fruit and vegetables, and favouring water as the main drink, stopping use of all forms of tobacco, reducing alcohol consumption and encouraging use of protective equipment when doing sports and travelling to reduce the risk of facial injuries.
“Adequate exposure to fluoride is an essential factor in the prevention of dental caries. WHO will be ready to provide the needed technical support for the implementation of the newly developed Oral Health Policy,” Dr Stephen noted.
For his part, minister of health, Selibe Mochoboroane, said this year’s commemoration of oral health awareness week services was targeting primary, secondary, orphanages, disabled children and youth ranging from ages six to 18.
Mochoboroane indicated that oral health is crucial for children not only for chewing and speaking, but also for physical and mental development.
Oral health, he said, was not only a personal matter but also a vital aspect of health and wellbeing of the community.
“Healthy teeth and gums support proper chewing and digestion, which in turn provides the nutrients essential for a child’s growth.
“In addition, good oral health can have a positive impact on a child’s self-confidence and social interactions, which are crucial for their mental and emotional development. The connection between oral health and overall health cannot be ignored as one affects the other in many ways,” Mochoboroane noted.
“Oral health is not just about teeth and gums; it is about the overall health and wellbeing of the communities and as we navigate the ever-changing currents of progress and tradition, let us not forget to care for our smiles, the window to our health and happiness,” he pointed out.
Mochoboroane called upon parents, teachers and other stakeholders to teach children how to take care of their teeth at an early age.
He reiterated his ministry’s commitment to educate the public to strengthen integrated primary health care, so that they could protect themselves against various diseases.
The World Health Assembly adopted a Resolution on oral health in 2021 at the 74th World Health Assembly. The resolution recommends a shift from the traditional curative approach towards a preventive approach that includes promotion of oral health within the family, schools and workplaces, and includes timely, comprehensive and inclusive care within the primary health-care system.
The resolution further affirms that oral health should be firmly embedded within the NCD agenda and that oral health-care interventions should be included in universal health coverage programs.
As Lesotho’s fight for oral health continues, volunteer dentist, Dr Namane Nyakane, reflects on her experiences with patients.
Dr Nyakane says the impact of poor oral health extends far beyond the mouth, often contributing to chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
“We must not forget that dental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. But, changing attitudes and behaviours takes time and effort. It’s about transforming a mindset and we are committed to making that change happen.
“So many of my patients have been living with painful, preventable dental problems for years. The look of relief on their faces when they see me – it’s why I keep doing this. I truly believe that with more education and support, Lesotho’s oral health can improve.
“One major obstacle that we face as a country is the shortage of dental professionals. In many rural areas, people simply do not have access to dental care. That’s why training more dentists, hygienists and dental assistants is crucial to improving access to care,” she adds.
The challenge of oral health in the country is one that requires collaboration, persistence and dedication, but efforts of dentists and non-governmental organisations are already making a positive impact.
Adding to the collective effort, telecommunication company, Econet Telecom Lesotho recently made a donation of toothbrushes and toothpastes worth M10,000 to the Thaba Tseka District Health Management Team, in its efforts to promote oral hygiene across different communities.
