Dental diseases on the ascendancy among basic school pupils

Kumasi, Jan 15, GNA - A medical officer has appealed to authorities of basic schools to liaise with dental departments of health facilities to step up oral health education among pupils and students. Dr James Amoateng, Ashanti Regional Co-ordinator for Oral Health, said he was not happy that dental diseases were on the ascendancy in basic schools, especially those in the Ashanti Region. He told the GNA in an interview that for instance about 70 per cent of 4,140 pupils who had been screened in the last two years in the region were identified to be having dental diseases. Dr Amoateng said among the districts which benefited from the screening exercise were Asante-Akim North and South, Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma, Kwabre, Amansie East and the Obuasi municipality and that the children were treated free of charge. Dr Amoateng called on pupils and students to resolve to reduce the intake of sugary foods and sweets which he said could increase their susceptibility to dental diseases.