Why there is an increase in tooth decay among school children

A clinical surgeon, Dr Victor Painstil, has stressed the need for a ban or a strict regulation of the consumption of sugary drinks and sweets in schools due to the health risks.

Speaking to the media at an event to mark World Oral Health Day, which falls on March 20, 2026, he bemoaned the rise of tooth decay among basic school pupils, linked to sugary drinks and sweets.

Tooth loss is not a sign of ageing - Dental Surgery Technician

“The pattern we have seen is that the commonest dental problem that is affecting children of school-going age, from pre-schools up to JHS, is predominantly dental care or tooth decay. About 25% of them, that is one out of every four people examined here is presented with dental care or tooth decay.

“When you take out dental care, the next one is what we call plaque-induced gingivitis, simply, inflammation of the gum that is swelling, redness, and pain of the gum that is associated with gum bleeding when you brush your teeth. And on our school campuses, you see these drinks all over. Some of them, unfortunately, are being sold by teachers. And I will advocate for, as a public health intervention, that we need to place a ban or limit the consumption of these sweets and beverages in our lower institutions of learning,” he urged.

Dr Painstil further indicated that reducing sugar intake has far-reaching health benefits beyond oral health.

"We have found out that if you are able to control sugar consumption, you are not only going to control tooth decay, but you also control diabetes, you control hypertension, you control cancer, and you control immunosuppression.

"Because in cancer patients, the cancer cells feed on sugar; in infections, when you eat more of sugar, your immunity comes down, so we are saying that it is not just a matter of a dental problem, but it is a public health problem," he added

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated annually on March 20 to raise global awareness about the prevention and control of oral diseases, which affect nearly 3.5 billion people

Watch the video below:

As Ghana marks World Oral Health Day 2026, dentists warn that 1 in 4 pupils show signs of tooth decay.

Dr. Victor Painstil is urging a ban on sugary foods and drinks in basic schools, citing links to decay and other health risks.#GhanaDentists #ChannelOneNews #ChannelOneTV pic.twitter.com/7VGq1efXII

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) March 19, 2026