Kerala - Kozhikode   

Free dental check-up extended

Special Correspondent

KOZHIKODE: A campaign of Indian Dental Association (IDA) to promote dental health is now in full swing. "Brush you teeth twice" is the theme of the latest IDA campaign , says C.C. Joseph, secretary, IDA, Kozhikode.

He believes that awareness about dental health is far from satisfactory in this region. That is why IDA has intensified its campaign here. The IDA unit has been organising free dental check-ups with the support of Colgate-Palmolive Ltd., manufactures of toothpaste and tooth brushes marketed under that brand name.

The free check-up campaign, which was launched on October 8 and was scheduled to end on October 26, has been extended by a week to end on October 30.

The free dental check-up facility is part of the Oral Health Month, the month-long oral health awareness programme organised by Colgate and IDA.

Dr. Joseph points out that "the mouth is the gateway to the body and there is a growing body of medical evidence linking poor oral health with some of the most dreaded diseases."

To promote oral hygiene, IDA has been encouraging people to brush their teeth daily. But most people are happy with brushing teeth in the morning alone. Dr. Joseph says its is poor lifestyle that affects dental health. Poor dental health is because of lifestyles, especially eating habits that damage teeth.

Besides Kozhikode, free dental check-ups are offered in other major cities in the country as well.

Around 3,600 dentists in 50 cities have agreed to be part of the free dental check-up campaign. Each dentist would spend a part of his or her time everyday over a two-week period. The free dental examination is held in the dentists' clinic and not in medical camps, which is another distinguishing feature of the ongoing dental care campaign.

Those interested in getting the free check-up can do so collecting free coupons available in select stores, and place a call on telephone to fix an appointment.

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