ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi health officials have urged people to take better care of their teeth as 40 per cent of all oral health expenditures are from preventable diseases or tooth decay.
The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (Haad) said on Saturday that 28.7 per cent of Emiratis and 19.3 per cent of residents in the emirate have periodontal (gum) diseases, while 41.2 per cent of Emiratis and 35.9 per cent of residents have tooth decay.
The tooth decay rate is higher in children, at 47.9 per cent compared with 35.4 per cent in adults. Periodontal disease affects a higher proportion of adults, with 26.9 per cent compared with 24 per cent in children.
Haad urged Emiratis and residents to maintain their oral health by brushing their teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting a dentist once a year.
“Health Authority – Abu Dhabi stresses that all people should avoid all forms of tobacco, eat healthy food and avoid drinks or meals with high amounts of sugar which might cause damage to the teeth,” said Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, director of the authority’s public health and research division.
An initiative called “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body” is being held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and Burjeel Hospital’s Tajmeel Dental Centre.
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