Rwanda joined the rest of the World to observe the World Oral Health Day 2025 under the theme: “A happy mouth …is a happy mind.”
To celebrate this important aspect on the human lives, Rwanda Biomedical Centre joined the students of the school of dentistry at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Science alongside other partners to provide essential health services to the residents of Gasabo District including screening and treatment of oral and dental diseases free of charge, providing essential hygienic materials as well as being educated on the preventive measures of dental diseases.
Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers are the most common issues, with oral diseases ranking among the top 20 conditions requiring hospital visits in 2024.
According to a 2022 study, 33.1% of Rwandans aged 18 and above do not brush their teeth regularly—with rural at 38% and urban at 11.2%. Despite the availability of dental care at various health facilities, 57.1% of the Rwandan population do not visit the dentist at least once a year as recommended—57.4% in rural areas and 55.7% in urban areas.
For Rwandans to prevent themselves from these health complications, urged to maintain oral hygiene by performing at least twice-daily brushing, particularly in the morning and before bedtime, since bacteria responsible for tooth decay are most active at night also limiting sugary foods and alcohol consumption, replacement of toothbrushes every three months and its proper storage.
Irene BAGAHIRWA, Director of the Injuries and Disabilities Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), stressed the urgent need for proper oral hygiene, warning that poor dental care remains a leading cause of serious health damages.
“Many wait until the conditions deteriorate, causing tooth extractions that could have been avoided with early screenings and treatments,” BAGAHIRWA noted.
Maniraho Cyrien, Kimironko Sector resident who came for a dental check-up commended the initiative of free services offered to care for their oral health saying “It was a big relief to know I will get my teeth screened and treated for free, I could not miss this chance.” (End)