Dr. Eliane Mireille Paré, a specialist dentist at Burkina Faso’s Direction de la Prévention et du Contrôle des Maladies non Transmissibles (DPCM) within the Ministry of Health, emphasized in a recent interview that overall bodily health is fundamentally linked to oral health. Speaking with Sidwaya newspaper in Ouagadougou on April 21, 2026, she defined oral infections as any pathology occurring in the mouth cavity, noting that the presence of pus indicates an active infection, whether from cavities, gingivitis, or other anomalies.
She highlighted that dental caries and periodontal diseases are the two most prevalent oral health issues in Burkina Faso, citing a 2021 study showing 52% of the population suffers from tooth decay and 60% from periodontal conditions. Dr. Paré noted these rates may vary between urban and rural areas, with urban populations potentially showing slightly lower prevalence. Beyond caries and gum disease, she identified oral cancer, dental erosion, and trauma-related fractures from public accidents as additional significant concerns affecting oral health in the country.
As part of the DPCM, Dr. Paré’s work focuses on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases, including those related to oral health, alongside conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell disease, noma, ocular health, mental health, and psychological trauma. Her role involves developing strategies to raise awareness, improve prevention, and enhance access to care for oral diseases across Burkina Faso.
She stressed that healthcare providers must prioritize patient comfort, stating her team’s mission is not to cause pain but to relieve suffering. Dr. Paré advocated for greater public education on oral hygiene practices as a key preventive measure, explaining that maintaining good oral health contributes directly to systemic well-being and reduces the risk of complications linked to untreated oral infections.
The interview underscored the importance of integrating oral health into broader public health initiatives in Burkina Faso. By framing dental care as essential to overall health rather than isolated treatment, Dr. Paré aims to shift perceptions and encourage routine check-ups, early intervention, and community-based prevention programs, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to dental services remains limited.
Understanding Oral Infections and Their Systemic Impact
Dr. Paré explained that oral infections encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues. She clarified that although cavities (dental caries) result from bacterial erosion of tooth enamel, gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, and if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Both conditions, she noted, are driven by poor oral hygiene, dietary habits high in sugar, and limited access to preventive care.
She emphasized that the presence of pus in the mouth is a clear sign of infection requiring prompt attention, as it indicates an active bacterial response that, if unchecked, could spread to other parts of the body. Drawing on medical consensus, Dr. Paré linked untreated oral infections to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues, reinforcing her assertion that “the health of the body depends on the health of the mouth.” This connection, she said, makes oral hygiene not just a dental concern but a vital component of general public health strategy.
Regarding cancer, Dr. Paré noted that oral cancers, though less frequently discussed than caries or gum disease, represent a serious threat, particularly when linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. She stressed the importance of early detection through regular screenings, especially in regions where awareness of oral cancer symptoms remains low. Similarly, she pointed to dental erosion—often caused by acidic foods, beverages, or gastric reflux—as a growing concern that wears down enamel and increases sensitivity and decay risk.
On trauma-related injuries, Dr. Paré acknowledged that accidents, including those from road traffic or falls, frequently result in fractured or displaced teeth, requiring immediate dental intervention to prevent infection and preserve function. She called for better integration of dental emergency protocols into national trauma response systems, particularly in urban centers where such incidents are more common.
Public Health Challenges and Prevention Strategies in Burkina Faso
Discussing the burden of oral disease in Burkina Faso, Dr. Paré referenced the 2021 study indicating that over half the population experiences tooth decay and six in ten suffer from some form of periodontal disease. She explained that these figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem in rural areas, where limited access to dental professionals, fluoride programs, and preventive education exacerbate disparities. Urban centers, while better served, still face challenges related to diet, smoking, and inconsistent oral hygiene practices.
To address these issues, the DPCM, under which Dr. Paré serves, has prioritized oral health within its mandate to combat non-communicable diseases. Initiatives include school-based education programs promoting brushing with fluoride toothpaste, community outreach to teach proper flossing and rinsing techniques, and efforts to integrate oral screenings into routine primary care visits. She noted that training community health workers to identify early signs of oral disease has expanded reach in remote regions where dentists are scarce.
Dr. Paré also highlighted the importance of policy-level interventions, such as regulating sugar content in processed foods and beverages, increasing taxation on tobacco and alcohol products known to harm oral health, and expanding access to affordable dental care through public clinics and mobile units. She advocated for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Health, dental associations, and international partners to sustain funding and technical support for long-term oral health improvement.
When asked about cancer prevention specifically, she reiterated that avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and practicing safe sexual behaviors to reduce HPV exposure are key preventive measures. She encouraged annual oral cancer screenings for adults over 40 or those with risk factors, noting that early lesions often present as persistent sores, white or red patches, or unexplained bleeding—symptoms easily overlooked without professional examination.
The Role of Healthcare Providers and Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Paré emphasized that dentists and oral health professionals in Burkina Faso must adopt a patient-centered approach focused on empathy and pain relief. Quoting her team’s guiding principle, she stated, “we are not here to cause pain to patients but to relieve their suffering,” a philosophy she said shapes clinical interactions and builds trust between providers and communities. This mindset, she argued, is essential for encouraging individuals to seek care before problems become severe.
She acknowledged that fear of dental procedures, often rooted in past negative experiences or misinformation, remains a barrier to care. To counter this, her team promotes gentle techniques, clear communication about treatments, and the use of topical anesthetics to minimize discomfort. Dr. Paré also stressed the importance of sterilization protocols and infection control in dental settings to prevent cross-contamination, especially in clinics with high patient volumes.
Regarding professional development, she noted that ongoing training for dental staff on the latest preventive techniques, restorative materials, and cancer screening methods is critical to maintaining quality care. The DPCM supports continuing education initiatives and partnerships with dental schools to ensure practitioners remain updated on evidence-based practices, particularly in infection prevention and minimally invasive treatments.
Dr. Paré concluded by urging individuals to capture personal responsibility for their oral health through daily brushing, flossing, limiting sugary snacks, and avoiding tobacco. She framed these habits not as burdens but as simple, cost-effective investments in long-term wellness that reduce the require for costly interventions later. “A healthy mouth,” she said, “is not just about a nice smile—it’s about living a healthier life.”