The Lagos State government, through the Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has organised a seminar to promote oral care and hygiene among people with disabilities.

According to the agency, the initiative aims to raise awareness and improve the health and well-being of individuals with special needs.

Speaking at the event, held at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme “Oral Health: A Key to Cardiovascular Health,” the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stated that the seminar was designed to address the critical health challenges often faced by individuals with disabilities due to inadequate oral hygiene practices, which can lead to serious health complications.


Lawal explained that the event, with a special focus on the oral-systemic connection, seeks to protect the heart through oral care, as well as to promote better oral health and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

She added, “The event also aims to equip about 200 participants with the right knowledge, tools, and resources to enhance oral care practices and, by extension, improve their overall health.”

She went on to say, “Many people don’t know how important what goes on in their mouth is connected to their brain, and because we have special children, they don’t have the capacity to brush by themselves or the muscular strength of their own. They have to be subjected to both occupational and physical therapy to enhance strength in their mouth, and sadly many of them suffer and live with bad oral hygiene.

“So the purpose of this event is to highlight the importance of all these and to pinpoint to parents how important nutrition and oral health are, and allow experts to have their input and give advice on how the parents can improve their oral health and that of their children.

“Today, we are carrying out a few on-the-spot scaling and polishing, and most participants will get a dental assessment by the dentist. Our special children will get scaling and polishing—almost a hundred will benefit today. Our hope is that with the impact of this event, we will not just continue it, but also increase our capacity as well.”

The LASODA boss emphasised the importance of taking proactive steps towards ensuring a healthier future for all, stressing that oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, often overlooked.

She added that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to create awareness, provide lasting solutions, and offer essential support to everyone in this regard.

The Guest Speaker at the event, Dr. Funmi Adeniyi, emphasised the need for regular brushing of teeth, mouth flossing, and visits to the dentist at least twice a year as a way to prevent oral diseases and improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities.

She also urged parents and caregivers to encourage children to drink plenty of water, as well as eat more fruits and vegetables, to prevent oral challenges.

“We must ensure that you visit the dentist twice a year. Brushing your teeth regularly will resolve this challenge, and make sure you visit dentists who specialise in treating PWDs. Additionally, make toothbrushing interesting and creative with the children,” she added.

Some of the participants who enjoyed free dental care services at the event expressed their appreciation for the state government and the agency for providing practical guidance and avenues to cater to their oral hygiene needs, which, according to them, meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities.


https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/17/lagos-powers-up-oral-health-awareness-transforming-lives-of-pwds/