Cavity prevention is better than treatment
The majority of children in the UAE suffer from poor oral hygiene. Dr. Ibrahim Arab, Director of Dental Department, Ministry of Health confirmed that the dental department focuses on reducing cavities among children of different age groups.
“It is very important to monitor the health of primary teeth to avoid problems throughout a child’s development” said Dr. Ibrahim Arab. “Good oral hygiene at an early age is key in preventing cavities and it is crucial to focus on leveraging awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and cavity prevention.”
Various Medical Districts in the UAE are currently focusing on dental prevention and are implementing oral care programmes for children in schools.
Ras Al Khaimah Medical District – Dental Center has implemented an oral care prevention programme for children in Ras Al Khaimah in order to prevent cavities at an early stage and contribute to the development of a society with less dental issues. The programme includes educational seminars for students, teachers, nurses and mothers as well as workshops aimed at teaching KG students how to take care of their teeth. A recent study from Ras Al Khaimah Dental Center in collaboration with school dental clinics aimed at evaluating children’s dental health in Ras Al Khaimah confirmed that 52% of children that didn’t have cavity prevention fillings ended up with cavities as opposed to only 13% for children that had the fillings. This study had been conducted on a random selection basis from schools that implemented the cavity prevention fillings programme.
The Dental Department, Ministry of Health, is also assessing the dental issues that is taking place in the UAE. Sharjah Oral Health Project Center has implemented its ‘Brush Your Teeth’ programme for KG children in the Northern Emirates. The programme aims at educating children and encouraging them to follow good oral hygiene. It also entails training all involved parties including professionals from the medical or educational sector.
As part of the overall objective of promoting and encouraging good oral hygiene in the UAE, Oral-B and Crest will be holding, under the patronage and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ras Al Khaimah Dental Center, a “Healthy Smiles Day” in Ras Al Khaimah. Healthy Smiles Day is a free of charge dental check-up day for all children. Dentists will conduct check-ups and give children certificates with relevant recommendations.
Healthy Smiles Day will be held on Thursday 5th March 2009 at Al Manar Mall, Ras Al Khaimah from 11:00am – 10:00pm.
