Conference in Uganda defines importance of Oral Health

by Pius Sawa Murefu, Kampala, Uganda (6 june 2006)

"Oral health in the developing world is at its worst", says Dr. Shewine Shinne, president of Smile Foundation in the US, who was speaking at a health conference in Uganda recently. She also pointed out that there is now a need for dentists in these areas to be equipped with more knowledge and skills.

The conference underlined the relationship between general health and oral hygiene. A team of students and a professor from the University of British Columbia presented their research concluding that poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature labor.

It was also noted that oral health in relation to HIV/AIDS has rarely been mentioned. Dr. Mulubya Gordwin at Uganda's Mulago hospital, says the oral cavity is the first site in which symptoms of HIV/AIDS become present. He explained that oral manifestations of HIV infection are a fundamental component of disease progression and occur in approximately 30-80 percent of the affected patient population. Symptoms such as Candiasis, leukemia, HIV gingivitis, periodontitis and ulcers are common to those who are HIV positive.

The conference, entitled, "Epidemiology, Impact Challenges and Management of Oral Health in Developing World" was held in Kampala between 5th and 6th June.