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.

An ailment that is often disregarded, halitosis or bad breath carries a significant impact not just on our lives but also extends to our interactions, working environment, social interactions, or social life in general. The pain and discomfort associated with oral diseases affect our concentration levels - causing people to miss school or work, and can lead to social isolation.

Left untreated, the health-related impact of oral diseases can be severe. However, many oral diseases are largely preventable and can be treated using simple and non-invasive procedures at the primary health care level.

The effects of bad breath are not just hypothetical; they represent everyday situations where bad breath can significantly affect how we perceive and interact with others. This includes eroding personal relationships. Bad breath can be a silent killer of relationships, romantic or otherwise.

It creates a barrier to intimacy, making close contact uncomfortable and conversations strained. Friends and partners might be hesitant to bring up the issue, leading to a build-up of resentment or avoidance, which can erode the foundation of trust and closeness.

In the professional realm, where first impressions and clear communication are crucial, bad breath can be a major setback. It can affect job interviews, meetings, and day-to-day interactions with colleagues. Employees with chronic halitosis might find themselves inadvertently isolated or overlooked, their ideas undervalued, not because of their merit but due to the discomfort their presence causes.

The fear of offending others with bad breath can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. People may become self-conscious, avoiding social gatherings or speaking less in group settings, which can affect their social life and mental health. Over time, this can lead to a vicious cycle where lack of social interaction further diminishes confidence and well-being.

In Kenya, Economic Survey 2024 shows there were 397 community oral health officers in 2023 from 246 in 2021. This represents one officer per 100,000 population compared to zero in 2021. Therefore, many people lack adequate oral healthcare, and the larger populations are also missing the benefits of good oral health.

Subsequently, the number of dentists was 966, increasing from 881 in 2019, but distribution per 100,000 population has still lagged at two.

Individuals need to find the right toothpaste to combat bad breath and enhance oral health, fostering more positive interactions and relationships.

The right toothpaste should give you eight scientifically proven benefits for the whole mouth including cavity protection, removal of plaque, fighting bad breath, healthy gums, white teeth, and fresh breath while protecting the enamel and teeth from staining.

As a society, we need to prioritise oral hygiene as part of our daily routine, just as we do with other aspects of personal care.

Regular dental check-ups, coupled with the use of effective oral care products, can go a long way in ensuring our breath remains fresh – making our interactions pleasant.

-Ms Nderitu is the Business Lead for Beauty, Wellbeing & Personal Care at Unilever Kenya and Uganda