By Oral hygiene, the cornerstone of dental health, is gaining renewed attention in Ghana as a critical component of public health. Poor oral health, linked to conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and even systemic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, affects millions globally, with low- and middle-income countries like Ghana facing unique challenges.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral diseases impact 3.5 billion people worldwide, with 2 billion suffering from caries and 1 billion from periodontal diseases.
In Ghana, where access to dental care is limited, innovative initiatives, research from institutions like the University of Ghana, and global health partnerships are transforming oral hygiene practices. This article explores the state of oral health in Ghana, recent advancements, and actionable steps to improve dental care access and awareness.
The State of Oral Health in Ghana
In Ghana, oral health issues are prevalent, particularly among children and rural populations. A 2021 study in the Ghana Medical Journal found that 60% of school-aged children in urban Accra and 75% in rural areas have dental caries, largely due to high sugar consumption and inadequate brushing habits.
Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, affect 40% of adults, exacerbated by poor oral hygiene and limited access to dental services. The WHO notes that oral health inequities are stark in low-income settings, where social determinants like poverty, low health literacy, and lack of clean water hinder preventive care.
Urbanization has worsened the problem. Increased access to sugary foods and beverages, coupled with inconsistent dental hygiene practices, has driven a surge in cavities and tooth loss.
In rural areas, cultural practices like chewing sticks (a traditional alternative to toothbrushes) are effective when used correctly but are often insufficient without proper education. Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing, further contributes to oral cancers, with Ghana reporting 1,200 new cases annually, per the International Journal of Cancer.
Dr. Ama Kusi, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s School of Dentistry, explains, “Oral health is a window to overall health, yet it’s often neglected in Ghana. Untreated dental issues lead to pain, infections, and even heart disease, burdening our healthcare system.”
Advancements in Oral Hygiene and Dental Care
Ghana is making strides in oral health, driven by academic research and public health initiatives. The University of Ghana’s College of Health Sciences, through its School of Dentistry, is leading efforts to improve dental education and care delivery.
In 2025, UG researchers are studying the efficacy of fluoride-based interventions, building on a Frontiers in Oral Health study that found fluoride toothpaste reduces caries by 25% in low-income communities. UG’s community outreach programs train dental hygienists to promote brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, a practice endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Global advancements are also influencing Ghana. A 2025 ScienceDaily report highlights the role of oral bacteria in accelerating pancreatic cancer, prompting UG to investigate links between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses. Another study in Nature Communications explores how Streptococcus bacteria in the mouth contribute to aggressive cancers, informing Ghana’s push for early dental screenings.
Locally, UG is piloting low-cost dental sealants—protective coatings applied to children’s teeth—to prevent cavities, a strategy proven effective in reducing caries by 80% in high-risk groups, per the Journal of Dental Research.
Technology is transforming care delivery. Teledentistry, supported by UG’s Pan-African Virtual College (launched April 2025), connects rural patients with urban dentists via video consultations, improving access to advice on brushing techniques and early caries detection.
Mobile dental clinics, funded by NGOs like Smile Train, are reaching remote areas, providing free check-ups and fluoride treatments to 10,000 children annually.
Education and Community Engagement
Education is pivotal to improving oral hygiene. UG’s School of Public Health collaborates with the Ghana Health Service to implement WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030), which emphasizes integrating oral health into primary care.
Community health workers, trained at UG and the University of Cape Coast, distribute oral hygiene kits (toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and floss) and teach proper brushing techniques—brushing for two minutes twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing to remove plaque.
Challenges in Access and Equity
Despite progress, Ghana faces significant barriers to oral health equity. The WHO reports that only 1 in 10 Ghanaians has access to a dentist, with a dentist-to-population ratio of 1:27,000, compared to 1:2,000 in high-income countries. Most dental clinics are concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, leaving rural areas underserved.
The cost of dental care—GHS 100–500 for a check-up or filling—is prohibitive for low-income families, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers only basic treatments, excluding advanced procedures like root canals.
Social determinants of health (SDoH) exacerbate disparities. Poor sanitation and lack of clean water in rural areas hinder daily brushing, while high-sugar diets in urban centers drive caries.
A 2025 Frontiers in Nutrition study links obesity to oral inflammation, a growing concern in urban Ghana. Gender disparities also exist, with women in rural areas less likely to seek dental care due to cultural norms prioritizing family expenses over personal health.
The Path Forward
Ghana’s oral health strategy for 2025 hinges on scaling access and awareness. UG’s advocacy for NHIS expansion to cover preventive care, like sealants and cleanings, could reduce long-term costs.
Public-private partnerships, such as those with Colgate-Palmolive, are funding oral hygiene campaigns, distributing 50,000 free toothbrushes in 2024. The government’s Clean Ghana Initiative, which improves water access, supports daily brushing in rural communities.
For individuals, adopting simple habits is key: brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugary snacks, and visiting a dentist annually. Schools and workplaces can adopt oral health policies, such as providing brushing stations or sugar-free snacks. UG’s teledentistry platform offers free consultations at https://health.ug.edu.gh/, making expert advice accessible.
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