Dental cavities is still the major preventable oral disease affecting children

Dental cavities is still the major preventable oral disease affecting children, says Leading UAE Pediatric Dentist at Global Congress

UAE representative at the 2014 Annual World Dental Congress calls for the need for improved preventative oral healthcare in children
 
UAE, September 14, 2014: Children's oral care took the spotlight at the Annual World Dental Congress (FDI) in Delhi, India this week, as experts from the UAE, including Dr. Mohammad Mansoor, Consultant Pediatric Dentist, Dubai Health Authority, met with their international counterparts to discuss upcoming trends and ways to combat tooth decay in children.
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 60-90% of children worldwide experience dental cavities during their growing years[1]. The incidence of dental cavities in the UAE is one of the highest in the region.[2] Dr. Mansoor attended the FDI on behalf of Wrigley's Extra Oral Healthcare Program, to discuss ways to optimize oral health of children in the UAE, in addition to implementing preventive practices in children's oral care routines.
 
“Statistics show that the majority of UAE population show some signs of dental disease, which can start as early as infancy. What is important to note is that the consequence of neglected oral health is not limited to teeth, but also includes general health. Oral disease can diminish a child's overall quality of life and cause impairments in speech, nutritional intake, school achievement, daily activities and even self-esteem. Infection and pain are expected outcomes of poor oral hygiene, and if left untreated, serious complications will follow”.
 
“The good news is that oral disease is preventable and by following basic recommendations out-lined by a dentist, such as brushing twice a day after meal time, flossing before bedtime, limiting intake and frequency of sweet and carbonic beverages, and even chewing sugarfree gum for saliva stimulation following meals can all help eliminate dental disease.  In children, these important behavioral changes and dental habits need to be reinforced so they can establish a dental routine at home from a young age.
 
Dr. Mansoor continued:  “It is essential to have UAE representatives at world symposiums such as FDI; these events represent an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in oral health practices. I would encourage every parent to initiate oral hygiene upon the eruption of the first baby tooth. Parents commitment to understanding oral health will better improve their child's dental and general health through their growing years”.
 
Dr. Mansoor was a key participant at FDI's breakout session entitled, “The Global Perspective and Innovation of Early Childhood Caries Prevention.” This workshop provided dentists with the most up to date research in caries prevention and in optimizing oral health in children.
 
Dr. Mohammad Mansoor is a Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, currently working in Dubai Health Authority as the Head of the Pediatric Dentistry Department. Dr. Mansoor is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, and NYU College of Dentistry in New York.
 
FDI is an annual gathering of dental practitioners from around the world. FDI 2015 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand.