Accidents, HIV/AIDS and cancer have all contributed to a rise in oral health problems in Uganda, according to the Uganda Dental Association (allafrica.com, 11/11).
“Most of these are a result of the increasing cases of accidents, cancers and HIV/AIDS. We receive these cases everyday,” said Dr. Francis Lacor, president of the association.
Dr. Lacor said that many patients only showed up for care when their conditions had advanced: “Many people think dentistry is about removing teeth. They come to us when they can no longer chew food,” he said. He says that more emphasis needs to be placed on providing everyone in the country with dental care, and raising awareness about the importance of preventive dental treatment.
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
