Source 18

National Consumer Attitudes Survey reveals neglect of oral health

-2 out of 3 consumers have never visited a dentist; only 3% visit a dentist regularly
-Only 47% of treatments are by dentists, the rest rely on advice from chemists, general practitioners or self-treatment
-Highest awareness is for toothache and tooth decay, yet only 50% are concerned
Almost one fifth suffer from tooth sensitivity, yet half of them do not do anything about it

Mumbai, August 20, 2009: A new national consumer usage and attitudes survey (CUAS) conducted across the four geographic zones in India, comprising a total of 11,324 interviews by IMRB and sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has revealed that dental problems in India are reflected in the low awareness levels and poor oral hygiene habits. The survey showed that 49% associate dental problems with lifestyle related reasons such as ‘improper eating habits’ and ‘not leading a healthy lifestyle’. Almost half of the respondents relate dental problems to lack of a daily oral care regimen such as ‘regular brushing at least twice a day’.

According to the survey, 67% of Indians have never visited a dentist and around 87% of the Indian population does not believe in visiting dentists unless there is a problem. Only 3 out every 100 respondents said they visited dentists at least once a year. By contrast, the global average for people visiting dentists is 57%.

Because a majority of consumers tend to follow a remedial path where they seek professional dental care only at the time of painful toothaches, there is low awareness of the benefit of a low pain, preventive care approach to regular brushing twice a day and preventive care visits to the dentists at least twice a year. This is reflected in the CUAS findings which show that:

Only 47% of total treatments received are by dentists - the rest prefer to rely on advice from chemists, general practitioners or self-treatment using home remedies and brushing

Of 70% who suffer from cavities/ decay, only 58% visit the dentist
Of 53% who suffer from mouth odor, only 11% visit the dentist
Of 64% who suffer from gum bleeding, only 28% visit the dentist
Of 63% who suffer from mouth ulcers, only 21% visit the dentist

Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Hon. Secretary General, Indian Dental Association said, “Oral health is very important and critical for the overall health. Numerous studies over the years investigating the mouth-body connection have suggested an association between oral health and general health. Research has also shown that dental diseases can best be prevented through early detection and primary prevention. Children, right from the age of three should be made aware of basics like the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, cleaning teeth and gums properly and other oral care information. Starting early will make oral hygiene not a practice but a habit with them.”

The survey revealed that the low oral health awareness is reflected in the consumer’s daily habits:

Only 51% brush with a toothpaste and a toothbrush
Only 19% of respondents feel it is essential to brush at night
Only 28% of respondents brush teeth at least twice a day
According to the survey, the most important triggers to brush teeth are to keep breath fresh and remove the food particles.

According to India’s last National Oral Health Survey (2002-2003), a detailed nation-wide epidemiological study, dental caries (tooth decay) is prevalent among 63.1% of 15 year olds and as much as 80.2% among adults in the age group of 35-44 years. Periodontal diseases (gum diseases) are prevalent in 67.7% of 15 year olds and as much as 89.6% of 35-44 year olds. The mean DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) score is 2.4 in 15 year olds and as high as 5.4 among 35-44 year olds.

http://www.colgate.co.in/app/Colgate/IN/Corp/PressRoom/CommunityArchives.cvsp?newsArticle=News_210809

This article is neat because it answers a lot of the questions that I will be asking while in India. I will be addressing more questions and identifying a specific age group which will be beneficial for further study.