Kenya needs more dentists, personal attention to improve oral hygiene

Braces with traces of food. Bad breath affects 1 in 4 people globally. [iStockphoto]

Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. The burden is increasing, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Good oral health is essential as it contributes to overall health.

Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally with the most common cause being bad oral hygiene. This is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria from food particles left in the mouth. One research study - Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry 4 by - found that halitosis affects about 31.8 per cent of the population.