China launches national dental care day
The national day of dental care in China will be used to launch a campaign to promote good oral health amongst children.
Today will mark the beginning of this year’s campaign, which will focus on protecting children’s teeth and gums. Standards of oral health are poor amongst young children in China; statistics show that 66 percent of five year olds have cavities. However, the most worrying statistic from the oral health epidemiological survey relates to the treatment of oral health problems; a shocking 97.1 percent of children with cavities do not receive treatment, meaning their condition becomes increasingly serious.
According to the oral health survey, a number of different factors are to blame for the worrying figures; many dentists say there is a widespread lack of understanding amongst parents and children about the importance of oral health and this, coupled with a diet high in sugar and poor oral hygiene, lead to extensive oral health issues. The survey revealed that a very high proportion of young children eat sugary foods before bed; this is particularly damaging as the teeth are at their most vulnerable during the night.
The new campaign launched today will promote the use of preventative treatments, as well as encouraging parents and children to get involved in oral health. Preventative treatments, including fluoride varnish and sealant treatments help to strengthen and protect the teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Dentists are also keen to educate parents and children about the importance of good oral hygiene and healthy eating; many people are unaware of the serious effects of poor oral hygiene and neglect their teeth and gums. Numerous studies have now revealed a link between poor health and severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
Join this Discussion