By IANS,
New Delhi: More than 80 percent people in the capital suffer from various dental ailments – many of which can be avoided by taking some preventive measures, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said Tuesday.
Inaugurating a five-day Dental Health Mela ‘Delhi Smiles 2010’ at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Dikshit said that the city government is planning to start dental check-up camps across the capital soon.
“More than 80 percent of Delhi’s population is suffering from various dental ailments, including periodontal (advanced gum disease), cavities, self-inflicted wear and traumatic injuries to teeth and most of them are preventable with early education,” she said.
Dikshit said that schools should initiate child smile programs aiming to prevent tooth decay in youngsters through early interventions.
“As much as 95 percent of the oral health problems are preventable, but people treat oral health lightly, only presenting when the conditions have advanced. Brushing after every meal, daily flossing, seeing dentist at least once a year can help one maintain miles of smiles,” she said.