![Eighty percent of Emirates have bad oral hygiene based on a recent study by Wrigley. [mnn.com]](/sites/default/files/styles/d08_standard/public/im/uae/uae-bad-teeth.jpg?itok=9m1Umx3D "Eighty percent of Emirates have bad oral hygiene based on a recent study by Wrigley. [mnn.com]")
With a country that boasts some of the most amazing and extravagant “world’s best” amenities, one would think that Emirates have tons to smile about. A recent survey on oral hygiene suggests otherwise. Apparently, shiny, happy people don’t necessarily make for great smiles…or to the dentist very often.
A survey on the oral hygiene habits of UAE residents found that almost half of those surveyed only visit their dentist for care when they are in pain. Over 20 percent only visit their dentist annually.
A leading orthodontist and former Dubai Health Authority consultant, Dr. Ramesh Sabhlok, shared recommendations that everyone visit their dentist at least twice a year. Surprisingly, only one in five people follow this recommendation as reported by a recent survey commissioned by Wrigley's Extra Oral Healthcare Program.
"Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. During examinations, we check for tooth decay, evaluate the health of gums, and even examine the 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," Dr. Sabhlok commented.
Dr. Sabhlok continued, "Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic health condition in the UAE, affecting more than 80 per cent of the population.
"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 dentists 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."
There is strong evidence to support the attributes of chewing sugar-free gum in helping to prevent tooth decay after you eat or drink because it stimulates saliva production, and when used as part of a greater oral hygiene regimen, can have benefits for your oral health.
Dr. Sabhlok, concluded, "In between dental visits, it is imperative that people take the necessary steps each day to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Some suggestions are to drink plenty of water ensuring that food debris is rinsed away from teeth. Chewing sugar free gum can help as well.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and using mouthwash will eliminate more germs that may be present in the mouth.
