By Idahosa Moses, Omoigui Lawrenta Osarue

BENIN CITY- A dental expert in   the Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Dr. Mercy Okoh has advised Nigerians, particularly residents of Edo State never to wait until they have major dental health complications before visiting dentists for oral checkup.

She gave the advice while delivering a lecture on the topic: “Oral Mucosals In Children/Adolescents”,  during the May Edition of the Institute of Child Health, UBTH,  Serminal series, held recently in Benin City.

Dr. Okoh said Oral health mean more than healthy teeth, but multifaceted which include the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, chew and swallow without pain or discomfort.

She identified some of the common Oral Mucosal Lesions in children to include: Ulcerative  Lesions; Immune, Traumatic and Infective ulcers.

The Oral medicine Consultant explained that most viral ulcers are self- limiting and required treatment to control fever, secondary bacteria infection as well as rehydration.

“Treatment of immune ulcers is best with topical corticosteroids where there is no systemic involvement such as recurrent aphthous stomatitis. 

“Oral ulcers should not be treated with agents like Bongella, mouthwashes like oraldene, tetracycline (avoid in children under 12 yrs), vitamin C (taken with water)”, Dr. Okoh advised.

Okoh who frowned at visitation to dental clinics only when patients have pains in their teeth said such practice was unhealthy and advised that the ideal practice for healthy mouth is to visit the dentist at least two to three times a year.

“Oral health determines your general well being because whatever enters your body passes through the mouth”.

The Senior Lecturer while expressing displeasure over low level of dental Healthcare aware in the country sued for the collaboration of stakeholders in the society towards eradicating Oral Mucosal in our environment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director,  Institute of Child Health, UBTH,  Dr. Damian Nwaneri said that the Institute is poised with training, service and research, explaining that the training is formal , informal, capacity building as we as public enlightenment programme.

The Director called on members of the public to available themselves the opportunity of obtaining forms into the various programmes in the institute especially as he informed that admission was ongoing.

He explained that Certificate in Early Child Healthcare development which the disclosed was 12 months course and Diploma in Childhealth  are meant for non medical and medical personnels.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director,  Institute of Child Health, UBTH,  Dr. Damian Nwaneri said that the Institute is poised with training, service and research, explaining that the training is formal , informal, capacity building as we as public enlightenment programme.

The Director called on members of the public to available themselves the opportunity of obtaining forms into the various programmes in the institute especially as he informed that admission was ongoing.

He explained that Certificate in Early Child Healthcare development which the disclosed was 12 months course and Diploma in Childhealth  are meant for non medical and medical personnels.