Oral health is something that should occupy greater priority in India due to the ever-increasing number people addicted to smoking and chewing practices. There has been a considerable increase in the incidence of oral cancer among Asian men. Oral cancers, constitutes 13-16 % of all body cancers.
* A national consumer usage and attitudes survey conducted across 233 Indian cities has revealed that dental problems in India are reflected in the low awareness levels and poor oral hygiene habits. In addition it has shown that people do not associate dental health with adequate oral care but associate dental problems with lifestyle related reasons like 'improper eating habits' and 'being born with bad teeth', a perception prominent in rural areas.
* The Survey also tracked usage patterns which revealed that almost 30 per cent did not use any modern oral care products, the number being higher in rural areas. In the urban areas, seven per cent did not use any of the modern oral care products. In the rural areas, the percentage is as high as 37 per cent, where people still use non-dentifrice products such as Neemstick (Datun), charcoal and ash.
* Most associate dental problems with lifestyle related reasons like 'improper eating habits' and 'being born with bad teeth', a perception prominent in rural areas. According to the survey, as much as 60% of people in India have never visited a dentist and only 2% actually visit a dentist regularly.
* According to the survey, as much as 60% of people in india have never visited a dentist and only 2% actually visit a dentist regularly
* When it comes to dental problems, a dentist's clinic is someplace where the Indians would last want to be! Over 50% of Indians are unconcerned about preventing or curing dental problems. They don't seem to be displaying interest unless there is an acute necessity. The follow-up rates are also significantly lower.
* The survey also revealed that nearly 24 per cent of consumers suffered from toothache in the past one year and 96 per cent were aware of the problem, but only as few as 35% have taken treatment from a dentist.
* The high acid-content of aerated drinks causes wearing of teeth enamel, so that the soft foods like pizza, burgers, chocolates, chips and chowmein stick to the teeth, fostering the growth of plak. If faulty eating is one end of the spectrum of dental problems, at the other end is the practice, especially among young women, to skip meals in an attempt to "stay fit." If one is fasting, the acid secretaion in the stomach reaches the mouth to cause enamel decay. The same thing happens if there is too long a gap between meals.
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