Did You Know March Is Oral Health Month? Dr. Felix Govina Urges Preventive Oral Care

Dental specialist Dr Felix Govina has called on Ghanaians to prioritise preventive dental care, warning that neglecting oral health can lead to serious health complications and significantly higher treatment costs.

Speaking on the Big Convo, Dr Govina emphasised that oral health plays a critical role in overall well-being, describing the mouth as “the gateway to the body.”

“Your oral cavity is like the gate to your home,” he explained. “If the gate is not properly maintained, you can imagine what may happen inside the house. In the same way, poor oral health can affect the rest of your body.”

His comments come as Ghana joins the global community in observing World Oral Health Day, marked annually on March 20 and led by the World Health Organisation to promote better oral hygiene practices worldwide.

Dr Govina encouraged the public to adopt what he calls the “triple two solution” to maintaining good oral hygiene.

The guideline involves brushing teeth twice a day, spending at least two minutes each time, and visiting a dentist twice a year for routine check-ups.

According to him, many dental problems begin quietly without noticeable symptoms, especially when decay is limited to the enamel layer of the tooth.

Dr Govina warned that ignoring early signs of tooth decay can significantly increase treatment costs.

A simple dental filling for early-stage decay may cost up to about GH₵1,000, he noted. However, if the decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, more complex procedures such as root canal treatment and crowns may be required.

“In some cases, saving a single tooth can cost between GH₵5,000 and GH₵10,000,” he said.

He explained that advanced infections can also lead to swelling, abscesses and potentially dangerous complications if bacteria spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Despite many people experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain, dental clinic attendance remains relatively low.

He recalled that in the early 1990s, there were fewer than ten private dental clinics in Accra, making access to care difficult for many residents.

“Dental diseases are among the most preventable health conditions,” he said. “But people often wait until they are in severe pain before seeking treatment.”

Dr Govina also expressed concern about the growing number of unlicensed teeth whitening services operating in beauty salons and spas.

He cautioned that dental procedures should only be performed by trained professionals in certified dental facilities.

“If you want anything done in your oral cavity, visit a dental clinic,” he advised. “Dentists are trained to handle these procedures safely.”

He explained that proper teeth whitening involves professional assessment and preparatory procedures such as scaling and polishing to remove tartar buildup before applying whitening agents.

“These treatments involve chemical reactions that alter the colour molecules in the tooth,” he said. “When done improperly, they can damage the teeth and gums.”