In wake of the World Oral Health Day, FDI World Dental Federation is myth busting what people around the world believe to be good oral health practices, encouraging them to become better informed and take action. Oral health is integral to our general health and well-being, impacting every aspect of our lives.
The results from a survey carried out in 12 countries, by YouGov on behalf of FDI, exposed a significant gap between what people believe to be good oral health practices, versus what they actually do.
Eight of the countries reported that 50 percent or more of the people surveyed think it is important to brush your teeth straight after every main meal.
Brazil, Mexico, Egypt and Poland were the worst offenders of this incorrect oral health practice (84%, 81%, 62% and 60% respectively).
FDI recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth to avoid weakening tooth enamel.
"These survey results highlight an alarming discrepancy between knowledge and actual good oral health practices," said Dr Patrick Hescot, FDI President.
India was among the majority of countries where people incorrectly believe that rinsing the mouth out with water after brushing is important. Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and Canada were others.
Nearly half the population surveyed in India felt that drinking fruit juice rather than fizzy drinks was important for good oral health. Fruit juice however, can also be high in sugar which can cause tooth decay.
FDI recommends keeping consumption of sugary drinks to a minimum as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Dr Edoardo Cavalle, WOHD Task Team Chair, stated, "Understanding good oral health practices and adopting them early in life, will help to maintain optimal oral health into old age and ensure you live a long life free from physical pain and often emotional suffering caused by oral disease."
Brushing Mistakes You Might Be Making
Dr. Chitraa R Chandran shed light on the common mistakes people tend to make while brushing.
1. Brushing horizontally causes tooth abrasion. Brush vertically.
2. Deposits accumulate near the gum margins. So brush such a way you remove the deposits vertically form gum margin to tooth tip. Horizontal brushing pushes the deposits into the inter-dental space.
3. Many people do not focus on brushing while brushing. Concentrate on what you are doing and which areas you are covering.
You tend to miss your inner surfaces and near the back tooth. To reach the outer surface of your back teeth close your mouth slightly and relax your cheeks so that your brush will reach till the end and beyond the last teeth.
Key findings on oral health practices include:
77 percent of people surveyed agreed that visiting a dentist once per year is good oral health practice, but only 52 percent actually tend to do it
Only 28 percent of respondents identified drinking alcohol in moderation as important for good oral health.
"Most people I know are extremely scared of showing their teeth to the dentist. As a dentist, I motivate them to come for regular consultations and not be afraid of minor surgical procedures to correct their oral function and form." says Dr. Dr. Abyudaya Srivastava.
About World Oral Health Day
Celebrated annually, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was launched by FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral disease.
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