The Dental Services Unit of the Department of Health and Wellness joined the world in commemorating World Oral Health Day, on March 20.

Dr. Sherry Ephraim-Le Compte, Senior Dental Surgeon at the Department of Health and Wellness, urged individuals to practice good dental hygiene and eat healthy foods; since oral diseases are known to have adverse effects on individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.

“Good oral health is one of the main pillars of general health,” Dr. Le Compte said. “The risk factors for NCDs and oral health diseases, are sugar, tobacco and alcohol. So incorporating oral perspectives into the national NCD plan will help to strengthen the department’s drive in reducing the burden of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.”

Dr. Le Compte urged diabetics to pay special attention to their oral health.

“An overgrowth of bacteria, due to the lack of proper oral hygiene, can enter into the bloodstream increasing the toxins in the body that ultimately affects the ability of the body to manage insulin levels thereby causing the diabetes. The American Dental Association and other studies have also found that patients with poorly-controlled glucose levels are more likely to develop gum disease than those whose glucose levels are controlled.”

In observance of World Oral Health Day, clinics around the island conducted an open day for patients where they provided education and shared information on the connection between oral health and overall health. The Department of Health and Wellness also organized an open day for staff, patients and visitors at the Saint Lucia Health and Wellness Center on March 21.

World Oral Health Day 2019 is being celebrated under the theme “Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health.”