The Dental Services Unit has launched a halitosis campaign as a means of raising awareness on the importance of oral health.

As part of the halitosis campaign, the Dental Services Unit will introduce a Dental Comic Strip competition, aimed at starting island-wide conversation on oral health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and overall health.

“We want to bring awareness to the condition, halitosis,” Dental Hygienist Cheryl St. Cyr, said. “Halitosis is a warning, and also indicates the presence of gum disease or tooth decay. Visiting the dentist will tell you about other conditions that may have caused your halitosis. Halitosis is really just bad breath, and can easily be resolved by home treatments of brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist once or twice a year.”

As part of observing World Oral Health Day (March 20), dental clinics around the island hosted an open day for patients, providing information on effective oral health.

Senior Dental Surgeon in the Department of Health and Wellness, Dr. Sherry Ephraim-Le Compte, said it is important that Saint Lucians are aware of the issues surrounding oral health and that they work toward oral hygiene.

“The theme for World Oral Health Day this year is: Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health. Basically, it means that if we put into practice these hygiene habits, including a visit to the dentist every six months as well as managing risk factors, we can have better outcomes for our overall general health.”

The Nutrition Unit of the Department of Health and Wellness advises reducing sugar intake to no more than three teaspoons a day for a child, or nine teaspoons daily for an adult. The Substance Abuse Unit advises avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol in concurrence with World Dental Federation.