Survey Reveals Poor Oral Hygiene Habits in the UAE

Experts caution on the need for improved daily oral health care routines; as many oral health problems, such as tooth decay, don't become symptomatic until the advanced stages of infection.

Dubai, UAE, October 21, 2013: A new survey on the oral hygiene habits of UAE residents found that almost half of those surveyed only visit their dentist for oral healthcare when in pain1 and over twenty percent only visit their dentist once each year.1 Following the results of the survey, leading dental experts in the Emirates are advising that regular dental visits, along with following a complete oral healthcare routine, are vital steps UAE residents should follow to help prevent a multitude of oral care conditions.

Dr. Ramesh Sabhlok, a leading orthodontist and former Dubai Health Authority consultant, says it's recommended for all individuals to visit their dentist a minimum of twice a year. The recent survey, commissioned by Wrigley's Extra Oral Healthcare Program found however that only one in five people follow this professional recommendation.1 “Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. During these examinations, we check for tooth decay, evaluate the health of your gums, and even examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. This is especially important given the majority of dental problems are not painful in their early stages,” commented Dr. Sabhlok.

Tooth decay and other common oral conditions are largely preventable through good oral hygiene habits. Dr. Sabhlok continued; “Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic health condition in the UAE, affecting more than 80 percent of the population.2 Good oral health involves more than just brushing, and prevention is better than cure. It's important to develop an oral health care routine with your dentist and then follow it daily. Although conditions such as tooth decay may seem minor at first, they can lead to other major dental problems such as gum disease.”

Interestingly, research shows saliva can help prevent tooth decay by washing away food debris that feed bacteria in your mouth. While experts agree brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits are the cornerstone of preventative oral healthcare, there are other simple measures people can take to improve their oral heath, such as chewing sugar free gum. There is strong scientific evidence to support  the attributes of chewing sugar-free gum in helping to prevent tooth decay after you eat or drink; it stimulates saliva, and when used as part of a greater oral hygiene regimen, can have benefits for your oral health.3 If you have any of the following symptoms, seek advice from your oral healthcare provider, as you may be experiencing early signs of tooth decay or gum disease:

• a chalky white spot on the surface of the tooth
• a persistent toothache
• puffy, red or swollen gums
• unusual sensitivity
• bad breath

Dr. Sabhlok, concluded; “In between dental visits, it's imperative that residents are taking the necessary steps each day to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. All individuals—including children with adult supervision—should be brushing their teeth at least twice daily, flossing on a daily basis, chewing sugar-free gum after they eat or drink, and using an oral rinse to eliminate additional germs that may be present in the mouth.”