Kumasi, Oct. 6, GNA 96 A dentist has encouraged Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of gum chewing regularly especially after meals since the practice promotes good oral hygiene.

Dr Abu Sakyi, Senior Dental Surgeon of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Hospital, who gave the advice, said the chewing of gum stimulates the salivary glands to release saliva into the mouth which helps in washing away bacteria that causes tooth decay. Dr Sakyi was speaking at a day's workshop organised by the Nursing Students' Association (NSA) of the KNUST to sensitise residents of Ayigya-Zongo in Kumasi on Thursday to good oral hygiene. The workshop, which coincided with a free dental screening exercise, formed part of activities marking the association's annual Health Week celebration under the theme: 93The role of the Undergraduate Nurse in Promoting Oral Healthy and Healthy Lifestyle in Ghana=94.

Dr Sakyi said as much as the chewing of gum promoted good oral hygiene, the public should at all times avoid taking gum that had a high concentration of sugar, adding such gum could create cavities in the teeth.

He charged the citizenry to patronise non-cariogenic gum which contained less sugar and as a result had no harmful side effect on the teeth.

He further indicated the need for Ghanaians to avoid regular intake of sweets and sugary foods which, he said, had a high possibility of creating cavities in the teeth.

Mrs Victoria Bam, Head of the Nursing Department of KNUST, called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to be supportive of outreach programmes initiated by the NSA so as to improve upon the health status of people in deprived areas.