Children's Tooth Decay Rising Due to Sugar, Poor Hygiene

Sugary Diets and Poor Hygiene Blamed for Rising Tooth Decay in Children

Tooth decay is becoming increasingly common among children in Tanzania, with experts attributing the trend to excessive consumption of sugary foods such as sweets and soft drinks, coupled with poor oral hygiene practices.

Dr. Alex Kimambo, a specialist in oral and dental diseases at the Benjamin Mkapa Referral Hospital in Dodoma, warned that the issue is particularly severe among children and adolescents, highlighting a growing public health concern.

“This problem is escalating, especially among children who often neglect proper brushing or fail to do so regularly,” Dr. Kimambo noted during an interview in the city.

He further emphasized that public awareness regarding oral health remains limited across much of the country, particularly in rural areas.

“Many people are unaware of essential practices for maintaining oral hygiene—such as brushing teeth twice daily, consuming a balanced diet, and making regular visits to the dentist,” he said.

While dental health services are available in major urban centers like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza, access remains limited in rural and remote areas, according to Dr. Kimambo.

“This disparity leaves many without access to routine dental check-ups or timely treatment,” he explained.

Dr. Kimambo also highlighted a critical shortage of qualified dental professionals in the country, especially in rural regions—a gap that hampers the delivery of adequate oral healthcare services.

“This shortage poses a significant challenge in our efforts to provide quality dental care to all citizens,” he stated.

In response to these challenges, the government, through the Ministry of Health, has been working to strengthen oral health services. Initiatives include launching awareness campaigns on oral hygiene and offering free or low-cost dental services at various health facilities.