About 80% Indians don’t brush twice a day. And many of those who do, don’t brush properly. It causes dental sickness in an alarming number of Indians, experts said at a seminar here on Saturday.
A two-day IDA, Bihar state conference began at a city hotel. The conference, which is being attended by over 300 delegates from across the country, was inaugurated by MP Shatrughan Sinha.
“Lack of proper brushing of teeth has led to 90% persons suffering from gum diseases in rural areas and 70% in urban areas,” said ex-resident, AIIMS, Dr Sanjay Labh.
Quoting figures from National Health Survey, he said, “A whopping 70% children and 50% adults in India suffer from dental cavities.”
“The slightest mouth smell may lead to gum disease. It will eventually lead to teeth loss,” Labh stated.
In 24 hours, a plaque formation takes place on our teeth. It causes invisible bacterial toxins to accumulate which, if not properly cleared daily, causes smell and gum disease, he said, adding “When you brush after every 12 hours, it destroys plaque formation and removes accumulation of bacterial toxins.”
Another guest speaker Dr Om Prakash said, “A total of 25% people in their 30s suffer from tooth loss, 30% loss is found in people in their 40s, 50% to 60% loss is found in people in their 50s and 60% loss in people in their 60s.” He added, “Dental illness means bacteria are breeding in your mouth. It may lead to heart disease, lung infection and even mental disease.”
If your teeth are mal-aligned, you need to pay extra care. “Mal-alignment in mouth makes your mouth a repository of bacteria. Any intake of food is a boon for bacteria as parts of it get stuck in your mouth,” experts said.
Experts advised to correct mal-alignment as soon as possible. “Proper brushing will, however, keep ailments away. Not even paste is required, just cleanse your teeth with brush,” they added.
On the occasion, Dr Twinkle Sultania from Darbhanga was given Dr R P Lall Award. Altogether, 11 awards were given to the students of different dental colleges. Speakers focused on laser dentistry, importance of ceramics and aesthetic values in dentistry and cleft lip and palate. Dr Amlesh Kumar, secretary of the association, moderated the event.
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