CSR: Oral Health Awareness In India
Oral health is an indicator of overall health. Hence, it is very important to maintain oral hygiene. In India, ignorance is a major cause of poor oral health in the country. In fact, people visit dentists only in case of severe problem or crisis. This too is done after the age of 40. And later they do not opt for treatments for they feel that they are too expensive and prolonged.
According to the National Oral Health Program, 95 per cent of adults in India suffer from gum disease. 50 per cent of the citizens do not use toothbrush or toothpaste. 70 per cent of children under the age of 15 have dental caries.
Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) conducted a consumer attitudes survey in the country. It revealed that only 47 per cent of total dental treatments are received by dentists. Majority of the people suffering from dental problems prefer to take advice from chemists or general practitioners, or use home remedies. The survey has also revealed that only 28 per cent of people brushed their teeth twice a day. About 34 per cent people believed that brushing once a day was more than enough. About 65 per cent of people had no inkling that eating habits can cause dental problems.
According to the experts, gum disease is a bacterial infection. If not treated properly it starts affecting other organs of the body through the blood stream. People suffering from gum disease are more susceptible to coronary artery disease. Apart from this, poor oral health is also a sign of diabetes.
According to World Health Organisation, brushing twice a day using fluoride tooth paste, changing the tooth brush every three months, avoiding use of tobacco, maintaining balanced and healthy diet, reducing sugar intake, flossing once a day and scheduling regular dental checkups are some of the tips to maintain good oral health. Apart from this, research has shown that chewing a sugar free gum for 20 minutes after eating can help reduce tooth decay by 40 per cent.
Healthcare is a major concern in the country today. And oral healthcare is a huge part of it. It is only wise to maintain the required oral hygiene in order to ensure a healthy mouth which will also help in maintaining health and hygiene in the other parts of the body.
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The CSR Journal Team
