NDA President Warns Against Harmful Oral Habits, Seeks Better Access to Dental Care

The President of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Emedom Elias, has urged Nigerians to avoid unsafe oral practices, stressing that the mouth is a delicate organ that requires proper care.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria at the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association in Abuja, which runs from Wednesday, November 12 to Saturday, November 15, 2025, Elias cautioned against using the teeth to open bottle tops. He explained that such actions can lead to fractures, gum injuries and other complications that may escalate into serious oral health problems.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to drop these harmful habits, noting that the mouth should not be subjected to reckless use.

Addressing factors necessary for building a successful dental practice, the NDA President highlighted the importance of having adequate dental equipment, increased public awareness and consistent patient visits. He added that continuous training for dental professionals is vital for improved service delivery.

Elias also pointed out inadequate funding as a major barrier to the development of dentistry in the country. He called on the government to expand access to dental care by ensuring that facilities are available in rural areas, where dental services are currently scarce.

He further proposed integrating dental care into primary healthcare centres to bridge the gap in access.

According to him, “If the government incorporates dental services into primary healthcare systems, the challenge of accessing dental care across states will be significantly reduced.”