In the past, very little attention has been given to dental health problems in Ghana. Ghana has had some challenges with access to dental care.  Many Ghanaians do not seem to realize that dental caries or dental decay has a high prevalence in the country today. Still with the notion, Africans have stronger and healthier teeth. People need to do away with that notion and concentrate on their dental health.

Mac Gregor (1963) found out that, at the age of 6, 47% of Ghanaian children had deciduous teeth caries. The corresponding figure for permanent dentition is 15%.

At the age of  12, 36% suffered from caries. Thus caries appeared to be more prevalent at the age of 6 in all regions of Ghana than at the age of 12. Inadequate intake of protein especially among children may also encourage the onset of periodontal disease.

Dental awareness needs to be taught across the country to help prevent dental diseases. People misunderstand the saying “ brush your teeth day and night.” This simply means you brush your teeth in the morning before eating and at night after eating. Before you brush your teeth at night, make sure you have eaten all your food and you are ready to go to bed then you brush your teeth. But some people will brush their teeth at night and still eat then go to bed, forgetting the cavities are still there.  Some people do not  see sense in brushing twice a day. So education on dental hygiene needs to go viral.

To solve the problem of dental disease, one needs to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use an antibacterial mouthwash and also visit a dentist regularly.   Avoid sharing your toothbrush with anyone, you can contract disease when you do that. Proper oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums.