Mafeteng, Aug. 28 — People who smoke are at higher risk of developing gum disease, tooth loss, complications following tooth removal and oral surgery, as well as mouth cancer.
Mafeteng Regional Hospital Dental Therapist Ms. Mapaseka Fole said this during a public gathering held at Ha-Khobotle on Thursday.
She said smokers are also more likely to develop infections and may take longer to heal compared with non-smokers.
Fole urged both men and women to quit smoking, saying doing so could reduce the risk of developing gum disease and mouth cancer while improving their response to gum treatment.
She stressed the importance of regular dental visits for smokers to maintain healthy teeth and gums and enable early detection of signs of mouth cancer.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Refoue Marabe acknowledged that many men do not regularly visit health facilities because they fear being reprimanded by health professionals.
He said some community members had been smoking without knowing the health risks associated with the habit.
Mr. Marabe pledged that they would start visiting health facilities for regular oral examinations even when they were not sick.
He said some smokers in the community were already experiencing oral health problems and would consult dental therapists for assistance.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for bringing oral health education closer to the community.
The World Oral Health Week commemoration, which started on Monday, is expected to end today with oral health screening and education for Correctional Service staff and inmates.
Ends/MO
