Govt Dental college conducts two camps to celebrate Health Day

Mumbai: Government Dental College and Hospital conducted two health camps here as part of its celebrations for World Health Day last week. Dean of the Hospital Dr Mansingh Pawar said that on April 7, an Oral health checkup of 133 individuals was carried out. "Among those who were clinically examined, 75 per cent were mentally challenged and rest physically handicapped," he told reporters here today.

Dental caries (tooth decay) prevalence was found to be 76 per cent and periodontal (gum) disease in 78 per cent people, he said. Pawar added that one per cent of people examined used tobacco and fluorosis prevalence was four per cent. "Importance of Oral health was emphasised with the help of posters on different aspects of dental health. Special brushing techniques were demonstrated using models.

Also, emphasis was given on prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease," he said. Dr Rajesh Gaikwad, Head of the Department, Periodontology and Public Health Dentistry said that on April 8, 150 policemen were clinically examined and oral health education, motivation and counselling of 250 policeman was done.

"Dental caries prevalence was 63 per cent, periodontal disease prevalence was 45 per cent," he said, and added that a lecture highlighting the causes and prevention of various dental diseases and the link between stress and oral health too was delivered. "The protectors and enforcers of law gave us an overwhelming response. They keenly listened to plaque control instructions and asked insightful questions," Gaikwad said.