The Hindu : New Delhi News : 80% of Delhi’s population suffers from dental trouble

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Sunday, Dec 09, 2007
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New Delhi

80% of Delhi’s population suffers from dental trouble

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: More than 80 per cent of the Capital’s population suffers from various dental ailments including periodontal (advanced gum disease), cavities, self-inflicted wear and tear and traumatic injuries to teeth and most of them are preventable with early education, say dental health experts.

Emphasising the need for schools to come forward and educate students early on about dental health, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who inaugurated a six-day Dental Health Mela organised by the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences here on Saturday as part of its silver jubilee celebrations, said: “Schools should initiate child smile programmes aiming to prevent tooth decay in youngsters through early interventions.”

“Ninety-five per cent of the oral health problems are preventable, but people treat oral health lightly. Brushing after every meal, daily flossing, seeing the dentist at least once a year can help one maintain miles of smiles,” added Ms. Dikshit.

The Chief Minister also urged dental experts to find ways and means to bring down the cost of dental treatment so that it can reach common man.

“As most of the dental diseases are not covered under medical insurance, treatment of dental disease is very expensive. Following simple public health preventive measures as causative factors of these diseases are well known and awareness among the children and community at large is the best solution for Delhiites,” she noted.

The Principal of the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Dr. Mahesh Verma, said: “In recent years, dozens of studies have shown that periodontal (advanced gum disease) may contribute to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Thus good oral health is critical to overall health and the mouth can serve as a looking glass into overall health. The first symptoms of various disease including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, eating disorders, venereal diseases and substance abuse can be traced through one’s oral health.”

A commemorative stamp was released by the Department of Posts to mark the silver jubilee of the Institute.

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