A professor of Restorative Dentistry, Prof. Sam Akpata, has warned
that as medicinal as chewing sticks are for the teeth, it could also
damage the gum.
Akpata, said this at the 2012 World Oral Health Day with the theme:
“Prevention of Dental Cares: How do I Avoid Holes and Aches In My
Teeth,” in Lagos.
He said that chewing sticks contain anti-bacterial properties which
could damage the gum and could only be removed using fluoride and
calcium containing toothpastes. Chewing sticks damage gums
The restorative dentist also advised parents to ensure that the
families eat diets that are free of processed foods, adding that these
could lead to tooth decay.
Akpata said, “To avoid tooth decay, we have to control the level of
sugar, sweets, chocolates and cakes we eat by reducing snacking.
Parents should protect their children’s teeth by cleaning them morning
and night with baby -friendly tooth pastes. With this oral hygiene, they
would become resistant to decay as they grow up.” Chewing sticks damage gums
He also called on the Federal Government to provide potable drinking
water which contains the right amount of fluoride to protect children
from fluoride poisoning.
Also, the President of the association, Dr. Olurotimi Olojede, urged
the Federal Government to make provision for the inclusion of dental
health in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Olojede also called on government to implement laws that could
regulate alcohol and tobacco consumption to reduce incidences of oral
cancers in the country.
Fact- Chewing sticks damage gums
