The Hindu : Teachers to make children aware of need for oral hygiene

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 16, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

Teachers to make children aware of need for oral hygiene

By Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore July 15. Teachers in several City schools will have one more responsibility now: educating children about the basic rules of oral hygiene practices such as proper brushing of teeth and good eating habits.

To sustain this programme, which will cover 45 lakh schoolchildren aged between six and 12, surgeons from the Indian Dental Association (IDA) will conduct training sessions for teachers.

The dental care products company, Colgate, will provide support, including teaching aids and material as well as special dental care packs.

The "Bright smiles, bright futures" programme is considered important for public health. Studies have shown that seven out of 10 children have tooth decay or gum disease. The incidence can be as high as 90 per cent among adults; dental problems can be carried over from childhood without timely care.

What makes the situation critical even in cities such as Bangalore is that the dentist-to-population ratio is as low as one for every 35,000.

Research has shown that common problems such as dental decay (including cavities) and gum disease can be prevented if detected early. This is why the IDA recommends a self-care approach of brushing teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year.

Another part of the programme will be orienting parents to take care of their children's dental care and eating habits.

Avoiding too much sugar, sticky sweets, and colas and preventing cavities are something parents can teach their children, dentists say.

The IDA President, V.M. Veerabahsu, says: "The National Oral Health programme is a massive education initiative to encourage preventive self care among children at an early age. Many committed dental professionals from IDA are coming forward to extend their full support.''

The IDA, formed in 1946, is the largest body of dental professionals in the country which has helped shape the National Oral Health Policy. It has been supported in its efforts since 1976 by Colgate-Palmolive India.

Through their combined efforts, several lakhs of children in schools have been reached in Bangalore alone.

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