Over 1,000 residents in Lamu County have received free dental services from the Kenya Dentists Association (KDA) and Mars Wrigley Kenya. The dental camp was a first of its kind in Lamu County and took place in Faza, Mpeketoni, Shela and Shungwaya.
The theme of the 5-day camp was A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body: prioritize your oral health for overall well-being and happiness in line with the World Oral Health Day. This was premised on research highlighting the link between oral health, overall well-being, and happiness.
The dental camp sought to raise awareness on the importance of oral health and to promote preventive measures within the community. The program included dental screening, patient selection and treatment for simple fillings, root canal treatments, cleaning and fluoride application, and emergency treatment including extractions, emergency extirpation and dental trauma management.
Speaking at the camp, Mars Wrigley General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa Ismael Bello noted, “We are happy to have brought much-needed dental care to the residents of Lamu County for the 2nd year. Initiatives like these empower under-privileged communities to take charge of their oral health.”
During the camp, Mars Wrigley showcased its sugar-free gum, highlighting its dental benefits supported by research. Studies indicate that chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, aiding in the rapid clearance of oral sugars and preventing plaque formation. Additionally, sugar-free gum contains minerals that restore oral pH levels and repair damaged enamel.
Also present at the camp was Dr. Douglas Oramis, the Secretary-General of KDA who noted, “Many of these under-served communities cannot afford proper dental services, and such dental camps serve to bring these critical services closer to the masses.”
The next dental camp is planned for Kiambu County on World Oral Health Day marked on March 20.