Oral Care

We have the highest number of mouth cancers in the world, can we change that?
Come join us:

Proper dental hygiene is very important for our dental care, and as most dental treatment is expensive, most of our underprivileged population is derived from it. Let's join hands and change that.....
The "dental wing of Saathiya Foundation" was started to provide access to essential, life-changing dental treatment for individuals from low-income backgrounds and also to promote oral health awareness programs and nutritional counselling in an effort to improve overall dental health among the patients.
Encouraging good oral hygiene and regular dental treatment at a young age reduces disease in adulthood. Common problems seen in children include gingivitis, dental abscesses, which can turn into infections and decay in baby teeth, which can cause dental problems in adults.
Sealants decrease the amount of dental disease on first and second molars. Sealants prevent tooth decay and also stop cavities from growing. The Surgeon General's report on oral health indicates that sealants can reduce decay in school children by more than 70 percent. Sealants are clear or white in color and protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Sealants are put on permanent teeth to help keep them cavity free. We can cut future health-care costs by focusing on the younger population.

Some stats about oral health in India:

Dental Caries are the second most common cause of tooth loss Gingival and periodontal disease affect 90% of the population India has highest prevalence of oral cancer in the world 95% of oral cancers are due to the use of tobacco.
The 5-year survival rate is 75% for local lesions but only 17% for those with distant metastasis 30% of school children have malocclusion

The Facts:

  Dental statistics in India Prevalence in India 60 - 80% Second most common cause of tooth loss.

  Major cause of tooth loss in India. Gingival and periodontal disease affects 90% of the population. Tooth loss results in nutritional deficiencies

  India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer in the world (19 +/100,000 population). It is the most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in women, and constitutes          20%–35% of all cancers. Of all the oral cancers,95% are related to the use of tobacco.

  Oral cancer has a high morbidity and mortality. The 5-year survival rate is 75% for local lesions but only 17% for those with distant metastasis.

  The prevalence of malocclusion in India is estimated to be 30% in school-age children5

  It has been estimated that about 666.2 lakh people are at risk for fluoride toxicity of which children below the age of 14 years constitute 60 lakh.

  Tooth loss in the elderly: Tooth loss increases with advancing age. Loss of the teeth results in decreased masticatory efficiency, causing a shift in dietary practices. This may result in nutritional          deficiencies. Tooth loss may also cause problems in speech and affect aesthetics, causing an overall loss of self-esteem and confidence. Very little data are available on tooth loss.

MISSION:

  To provide quality preventative, routine dental care for the underprivileged

  Oral health education to low-income children, adults, senior citizens, patients with HIV/AIDS, the disabled and the homeless.

  Providing a free sealant program at the primary and secondary school level so as to reduce future dental health problems.

  Taking a mobile dental unit to the areas required (schools, slums), therefore saving travelling time for the patients and money spent on travelling. Also providing treatment to those who need it          but would never come forward for such treatment.

  Educating the community on how they can help to improve the oral health status and prevent further deterioration.

  Instilling a sense of responsibility, awareness and a path of action for young dentists to help the community.

THE CHALLENGE

Most of the people living in semi-urban and rural areas are complete strangers to professional health care practices. Studies have revealed that dental diseases have been increasing both in prevalence and severity over the last few decades. There is, therefore, an urgent need to prevent the rising trend of dental diseases in India. In India, 80% of the children and 60% of the adults suffer from dental caries; more than 90% of adult community after the age of 30 years suffer from periodontal diseases which also has its inception in childhood.
In addition, 35% of all body cancers are oral cancers. India has the highest incidence of oral cancer in the world. A large segment of the adult population is toothless due to the crippling nature of the dental diseases and about 35% of the children suffer from misaligned teeth and jaws affecting proper functioning. Oral health care is one of those departments of our health care delivery system in which shocking disparities exist. Poor and minority children do not have access to oral health care like their privileged and non-minority peers. Older adults, especially those living in slums and old age homes, have a high prevalence of oral health problems and difficulty accessing care. Disabled individuals confront access barriers, regardless of their financial resources. The consequences of these disparities in access to oral health care affect not only oral health but overall health as well. Poor oral health can lead to malnutrition, childhood speech problems, psychological and behavioural problems and serious infections. Poor oral health is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and premature births. Oral disease in pregnant women and young mothers can be transmitted vertically to their offspring, contributing to a cycle of disease.
There are millions of individuals suffering from untreated oral health problems. Most cannot eat or speak properly, socialize or smile, leading to shame and isolation, being unable to hold a job or lead a normal life.
In view of these facts, it is important to launch preventive, curative and educational oral health care programs integrated into the existing system utilizing the existing health and educational infrastructure in the rural, urban and deprived areas.