Residents urged to improve oral hygiene amid rising tooth decay cases

4 May 2026, 6:48 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Residents have been urged to adopt improved oral hygiene practices following a rise in cases of dental caries within the community.

Dr Grace Ainembabazi made the call during a dental outreach at Pader Health Centre III, where free dental services are being provided for four days starting today.

She noted that the outreach forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to dental care, particularly in underserved areas.

Dr Ainembabazi identified dental caries (tooth decay) as the most significant challenge affecting many communities, attributing it to high sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene practices.

According to her, the prevalence of tooth decay in Northern Uganda remains high, with many patients only seeking treatment when conditions have significantly worsened.

She encouraged residents to attend regular dental check-ups, even in the absence of pain.

Dr Ainembabazi also emphasised the need to reduce sugar intake, especially among children, and to maintain consistent oral hygiene.

She noted that turnout on the first day was moderate, possibly due to the busy nature of town life, but expressed optimism that more residents would attend in the coming days.

Normal Adong, a resident of Mila in Paiula Sub-county, praised Hope Smiles Uganda for bringing much-needed services closer to the community.

Adong, who took her mother for treatment due to persistent tooth pain, also received dental care after it was discovered that she had a cavity requiring a filling.

She encouraged other residents experiencing dental problems to take advantage of the free services.

Adong further noted that she learned about the outreach through a friend, which prompted her to seek care for both herself and her mother.

By 2:00 p.m. on the first day of the dental camp, at least 72 patients had received various dental services at Pader Health Centre III