MarsWrigley Kenya and the Kenya Dentists Association (KDA) have successfully concluded their first dental camp of the year in Lamu County, which saw over 1,000 residents receive free consultations and a range of essential dental services at four locations — Faza, Mpeketoni, Shela, and Shungwaya.
The theme of the five-day camp was, ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body: prioritize your oral health for overall well-being and happiness’ in line with World Oral Health Day and it was premised on research highlighting the link between oral health, overall wellbeing, and happiness.
The dental outreach sought to raise awareness about the critical importance of oral health and to promote preventive measures within the community. It was timely in bringing dental services closer to people who would otherwise not have access. In Kenya, the current dentist: population ratio is 1:37800, which is far below the World Health Organization recommendation of 1:7,000. It is even worse for people in rural villages like those in Lamu, with about 80% of the dental surgeons in the country working in urban areas, making oral health inaccessible to a majority of the Kenyan population.
The camp’s program included dental screening, patient selection and treatment for simple fillings, root canal treatments, cleaning and fluoride application, and emergency treatment including extractions, emergency extirpations, and dental trauma management.
“We are happy to have brought much-needed dental care to the residents of Lamu County for the 2nd year,” said Mars Wrigley General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ismael Bello. “Initiatives like these empower underprivileged communities to take charge of their oral health.”
Dr. Douglas Oramis, the Secretary-General of KDA added: “Many of these underserved communities cannot afford proper dental services, and such dental camps serve to bring these critical services closer to the masses.”
During the camp, Mars Wrigley showcased its acclaimed sugar-free gum, highlighting its dental benefits supported by extensive research. Studies indicate that chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, aiding in the rapid clearance of oral sugars and preventing plaque formation. Further research suggests that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks protects teeth. Additionally, sugar-free gum contains minerals that restore oral pH levels and repair damaged enamel.
With dental issues posing significant challenges to the overall wellbeing, Mars Wrigley, KDA, alongside other sponsors have over the five days worked to equip people in Lamu with the knowledge and resources needed to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
The dental camp was part of Mars Wrigley’s engagements to promote oral and dental health ahead of World Oral Health Day on March 20, 2024, with activities centered around the theme, “A happy mouth is a happy body”. The next dental camp is planned for Kiambu County on World Oral Health Day.
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