Africa-Press – Botswana. There is need for government and health practitioners to dialogue about the contribution of indigenous knowledge to oral health, health minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti said at the inaugural Vogue Dental World conference held in Gaborone Saturday.
He said proven indigenous methods should be part of the future of oral health, citing Letlhajwa as a “miracle” root that had been used by many people in rural areas, but questioning its compliance with best oral health practices.
He also said that without dental professionals explaining the importance of regular fluoride exposure to cavity prevention, many people in communities that had no fluoridated water might not seek additional fluoride supplements such as nursery water for their children.
However, he said all was not lost because government had prioritised provision of clean and safe water to all. He said Vision 2036 and the Presidential Reset Agenda priorities, emphasised government’s resolve to bring critical services, such as dental health, to all people, and urged the public and businesses to help government provide oral health services to all people.
He however decried the use of tobacco and its products, saying it militated against efforts keep the nation orally healthy.
To that end he called for intensified public education against tobacco use.
Minister Dikoloti challenged oral health practitioners to regularly reach out to rural communities as their contribution in making the nation orally healthy.
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