
MarsWrigley Kenya and the Kenya Dentists Association (KDA) have concluded their first Lamu dental camp, 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: prioritise your oral health for overall well-being and happiness’ in line with the World Oral Health Day, 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 promoting 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 Organisation recommendation of 1:7,000. It is even worse for people in rural villages like 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 under-privileged communities to take charge of their oral health.”
“Many of these underserved communities cannot afford proper dental services, and such dental camps serve to bring these critical services closer to the masses,” said Dr Douglas Oramis, the KDA Secretary General.
During the camp, Mars Wrigley showcased its acclaimed sugar-free gum, highlighting its dental benefits supported by extensive research.
Study
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.
[Dr Jane Wamai – Kenya Dental Association (right) attends to a Lamu during a five day dental camp in the county organised by the association in partnership with Mars Wrigley and other sponsors. Over 1,000 residents received free consultations and essential dental services at Faza, Mpeketoni, Shela and Shungwaya.Photo/Ahmed Omar/March, 16, 24].
With dental issues posing significant challenges to the overall wellbeing, Mars Wrigley, KDA, alongside other sponsors have over the five days worked to equip Lamu residents 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 the 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.