Poor hygiene can cause serious health problems – Medical Doctor
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Medical doctor Dr Nehemiah Osei has cautioned the public about the dangers of neglecting personal hygiene, stressing that bad breath is not only a social problem but also a serious health concern.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast Show on Zed 101.9FM, Dr Osei explained that bad odour is one of the first signs of poor oral health and is easily noticed in daily interactions.
He warned that beyond embarrassment, it can affect a person’s self-image, social relations and even mental well-being.
According to him, poor oral hygiene can also open the door to life-threatening conditions. He noted that gum infections such as gingivitis can spread into the bloodstream and trigger sepsis, a severe infection that affects the entire body.
“If oral infections spread, they can even reach the heart and cause very serious complications,” Dr Osei cautioned.
He advised the public to prioritise oral hygiene by brushing regularly, seeking professional care when necessary and treating oral health as an important part of overall well-being.
Dr Osei noted that sweat and dirt, if left unchecked, create conditions for infections such as balanitis, particularly among men who have not been circumcised.
He emphasised that for women, there is a need for proper menstrual hygiene, explaining that blood is a strong medium for bacterial growth.
Without adequate hygiene practices and access to safe sanitary products, women are at greater risk of infections that can escalate into serious complications, including sepsis.
