Indian Dental Association (IDA) Nagaland state branch organized an oral health awareness programme at Hollotoli School here Friday.
At the programme, students were highlighted on oral health care and trend of tobacco abuse amongst school children.
In his presentation, speaker dental surgeon, proprietor Beyond Smiles and convenor continuing dental education IDA Nagaland state branch Dr. Kaketo Yepthomi deliberated on oral health care, importance of keeping healthy mouth and myths related to oral care.
Asserting till today many common people did not feel the need to take proper care of their mouth compared to other parts of the body, Dr. Kaketo pointed out that problem of oral health could affect the general health.
While pointing out tooth loss in adults was not due to tooth decay, the doctor further said it was caused due to gum bleeding, which could cause gum disease like gingivitis. If not treated promptly, it might cause severe gum disease called periodontitis, he said.
Dr. Kaketo also informed that scientists have found a possible link of gum problems to diabetics, heart diseases, pre-term during pregnancy.
He said oral problems could also affect brain, respiratory system and cause oral cancer.
Briefing on harmful habits or activities that could damage teeth, Dr. Kaketo advised the students to avoid sugary food items, junk foods, soda drinks, items contacting tobacco, to chew sugar free chewing gums after meals, wear mouth guard for physical contact sport and maintain proper diet and nutrition.
Informing students that it was “not cool” to consume tobacco and its products, Dr. Kaketo said tobacco caused gum recession, increase tooth decay, tooth discoloration, bad breath, addition and oral cancer.
Dr. Kaketo also briefed the students on proper brushing technique, importance of proper flossing and scaling of teeth. He said there was a misconception amongst the people about tooth scaling, adding that that there was no harm or side effects in scaling teeth every six months to a year.
While informing that IDA has declared the month of October and November as “Oral Health Care”, he said IDA has pledged to provide free dental check up in clinics. With regard to this, Dr. Kaketo asked the public to avail free check up from his clinic, Beyond Smiles.
In a brief speech, IDA Nagaland state branch president Dr. Temjennungsang Lonchar spoke on tobacco abuse amongst school children and advised the students to keep away from tobacco and its products.
Stating that every six seconds people die of tobacco and related diseases, Dr. Temjennungsang said India was the world capital of oral cancer wherein 90% of world oral cancer was detected in India.
He also said Nagaland was the highest tobacco consumer state in India. He cautioned that tobacco and its related diseases have become a threat to the state.
The awareness programme was attended by school faculty members, students of class six and above and some members of IDA Nagaland state branch.
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