Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
KABALE – Residents of Kabale District have been warned against engaging in oral sex due to the potential health risks associated with the practice.
The warning was issued by Kabale District Health Educator, Alfred Besigensi, while speaking to our reporter from his office ahead of World Oral Health Day, which is commemorated annually on March 20th.
This year’s global celebrations will be held under the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,”aimed at raising awareness on the importance of oral hygiene and reducing the burden of oral diseases worldwide.
Besigensi noted that although many people tend to overlook oral health, the mouth plays a critical role in overall body wellbeing, saying it is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems.
“Many people ignore oral health, yet the mouth is very important to the overall well-being of the body because it is the gateway to many vital systems,” Besigensi said.
He warned that engaging in oral sex exposes individuals to infections that can affect the mouth and throat, including oral ulcers, as well as other bacterial and viral infections that may compromise one’s health.
“Engaging in oral sex exposes individuals to infections that affect the mouth and throat, including oral ulcers and other serious infections that can put their lives at risk,” he added.
Besigensi further explained that certain organs in the human body are naturally designed for specific functions, and misuse of these organs increases vulnerability to infections and other complications.
“When people use body organs for purposes they were not intended for, they increase the chances of infections because harmful microorganisms can easily be introduced into the mouth,” he explained.
He emphasized that such practices can lead to conditions that are not only harmful but also difficult to detect in their early stages, which may delay treatment.
“Some of these infections are not easy to detect early, and by the time one realizes, the condition may have already worsened,” he cautioned.
Besigensi also stressed that oral sex is not a safe practice, noting that it does not provide protection against infections.
“Oral sex is not safe because it is not protected and can easily expose individuals to a wide range of infections,” he emphasized.
He expressed concern over the increasing cases of poor oral hygiene in Kabale District, attributing the trend to limited awareness, poor attitudes towards dental care, and lack of routine check-ups.
“Many people only go to health facilities when they are in pain or when the condition has become serious, yet most oral diseases can be prevented through simple and consistent hygiene practices,” he noted.
The Health Educator further highlighted that poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of complications, including gum diseases, tooth decay, bad breath, and infections that may spread to other parts of the body if not treated in time.
“Poor oral hygiene not only affects the mouth, but it can also contribute to other health problems if infections spread,” he added.
He therefore encouraged residents to adopt proper oral hygiene habits, including brushing their teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals, using recommended dental products such as fluoride toothpaste, and maintaining a balanced diet that supports oral health.
“People should brush their teeth regularly, use the right dental products, and ensure they go for routine dental check-ups so that any problem is detected and managed early,” he advised.