Tanzania Hosts Global Oral Health Expo in May

Expert Advice: Don’t Rinse After Brushing, Say Oral Health Specialists
Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzanian oral health professionals have issued new guidance to help curb the country’s rising dental health crisis, urging the public to stop rinsing their mouths with water after brushing their teeth. According to experts, spitting out the toothpaste foam without rinsing helps retain fluoride in the mouth, which offers extended protection against tooth decay.

These recommendations were shared today during a press briefing announcing the upcoming International Dental and Oral Health Exhibition, scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.

According to Dr. Baraka Nzobo, Assistant Director for Oral Health Services at the Ministry of Health, brushing should be done twice daily—after breakfast and before bedtime. Notably, brushing should be done after consuming morning tea, as oral hygiene is assumed to be intact from the previous night's cleaning.

“After brushing, spit out the foam, but do not rinse with water,” Dr. Nzobo explained. “This allows fluoride to remain active in your mouth for up to 12 hours, providing crucial protection against bacterial attacks.”

He further emphasized the appropriate fluoride levels for different age groups. Children should use toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride, while adults should opt for toothpaste containing between 1450 and 1500 ppm fluoride.

Troubling Dental Health Statistics

The press briefing also highlighted concerning statistics:

• 76.5% of Tanzanians aged 15 and above suffer from tooth decay.

• 33.1% of children are similarly affected.

• 67% of adults experience gum disease.

• 58% of children have some form of gum-related ailment.

• 36% of the population live with misaligned teeth.

Despite these widespread oral health issues, Tanzania has only one dentist for every 100,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio of one dentist per 10,000.

“This significant shortfall in qualified personnel is compounded by a lack of modern equipment, infrastructure, and funding—factors that continue to hinder access to quality dental care,” said Dr. Nzobo.

In response, the Tanzanian government aims to ensure that dental services are available in 20% of all health centers by 2030.

A Costly Global and Regional Burden

Globally, the financial burden of treating dental diseases is surging. In 2023, TSh94.01 trillion was spent on dental care. This figure rose to TSh103.49 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach TSh253.42 trillion by 2030.

Across Africa, spending stood at TSh1.43 trillion in 2022, with forecasts indicating an increase to TSh2.63 trillion by 2030.

Upcoming International Dental Exhibition

The International Dental and Oral Health Exhibition, set for May 30–31, is expected to draw participants from around the world, including medical device manufacturers, dental professionals, and health stakeholders across Africa.

The event will showcase advancements in oral health technology, feature educational sessions from doctors across various hospitals, and offer hands-on training on equipment use and modern treatment techniques.

“This will be a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of dental technologies,” Dr. Nzobo said. “There will be sessions for the public on oral hygiene, types of dental care for children and adults, and demonstrations of proper brushing tools.”

Free checkups and expert consultations will also be offered, along with the chance for clinics to procure dental equipment and medications for year-round use.

Dr. Anold Agustino, President-elect of the Tanzanian Dental Association, added that the exhibition will also serve as a crucial knowledge exchange platform. “This is a key moment for dental professionals to learn about emerging innovations and best practices in the field,” he said.