Tanzania has intensified its efforts to improve oral healthcare as concerns grow over increasing cases of preventable dental diseases linked to lifestyle changes, high sugar consumption, and poor oral hygiene practices.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during the second Tanzania Dental Expo (TDE), which brought together policymakers, dental professionals, and international experts to discuss prevention strategies, innovation, and modern technologies in dentistry.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of Prof Nikolai Sharkov, President of the FDI World Dental Federation, marking the first time an FDI president has visited Tanzania.

He emphasised that oral health should not be treated as a cosmetic or separate issue, noting strong links between oral diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular illnesses.He stressed that prevention, public awareness, and healthier lifestyles are the most effective tools in reducing oral disease burdens globally.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, making them one of the most common health challenges.In Tanzania, the Ministry of Health’s Fifth National Oral Health Survey (2020) showed that 76.5 percent of adults aged 30 years and above had experienced dental caries, with tooth extraction being the most common treatment method.Health experts attribute this situation to limited awareness, high sugar intake, and poor brushing habits.

Officials also raised concerns about the misuse of fluoride toothpaste, especially among children, stressing the need for correct dosage based on age.

The Tanzania Dental Association noted that continuous professional training and adoption of new technologies are essential to improve service delivery.

Overall, experts agreed that simple behavioural changes, better education, and preventive care could significantly reduce oral health problems in the country.