Tooth decay up among Lankans

Disna Mudalige

At least six teeth of every individual in Sri Lanka are decayed, a recent survey conducted in Sri Lanka has revealed, a Health Ministry spokesman said. It has also been revealed that there are about 120 million dental cavities among the Sri Lankan population.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has directed Oral Health Division Deputy Director General Dr Jayasundara Bandara to conduct countrywide programmes to educate people on oral health to mark World Oral Health Day which falls today.

This year’s theme is Yaha purudu arabamu - muwa kamala surakimu (Let’s practice good habits to protect oral health). The ministry spokesman said that circulars have been issued to provincial, district and regional health service directors to organize oral health programmes during the next two months.

He also said that the main challenge pertaining to oral health is oral cancers.

“Even though successful results had been obtained through anti-smoking campaigns initiated by the government, still a large number of people are addicted to chewing betel,” he said.

A recent survey conducted by the Health Ministry in Maharagama has revealed that 80 percent of bus drivers and conductors are addicted to the chew. Imported betel varieties such as Babul has been a major cause towards oral cancer. It has been found out that many people including schoolchildren are addicted to this variety.

Dental cavities, tooth decay, dental disorders and off colour in teeth are other oral problems commonly seen in Sri Lanka.