Focus

Brushing up on dental hygiene

By Yang Wanli (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-17 10:39

Since we were in kindergarten, doctors, teachers and our parents have reminded us of the importance of brushing our teeth.

Those who have kept up with this good habit will have brushed more than 40,000 times by the time they turn 60.

But the message hasn't taken hold in the capital.

A survey by the Beijing Stomatological Hospital shows that fewer than half of middle-aged residents in Beijing clean their teeth even twice a week.

And no more than 1 percent of people use dental floss.

A child receives a checkup at a high-end dentists in Beijing. According to a national study, nearly 60 percent of 5-year-olds in the capital have dental cavaties. [An Xudong/For China Daily]

"Reluctance to brush your teeth before sleep seems quite normal. But if you know the long-term result of it, you can no longer rest so easy," said Han Yongcheng, director of the oral disease prevention department at the hospital.

According to the survey, more than 60 percent of respondents have dental caries, or tooth decay. About 80 percent suffer bleeding gums. Nearly all the residents surveyed have tartar, or hardened dental plaque.

"People do know the importance of oral heath, but less than 15 percent had gone to the department of stomatology in the past year," Han said. "Most people only went to the clinics for toothaches. Less than one percent have had regular oral examinations."

Some people consider oral examinations unnecessary unless they have teeth problems. But the pain could become permanent if the problems are not treated in a timely manner.

"Even if you get medical treatment, the teeth will no longer be strong as before," Han said.

Some Beijingers lament not caring for their teeth at an early age.

"I was used to eating too much sugar when I was young and sometimes didn't brush my teeth before sleeping. Now, I've got six decayed teeth and can't eat cold food or food with a sour taste," said Li Zhiyan, a 34-year-old designer.

Li now visits his dentist once a month for oral examinations. But he revealed that most of his friends, especially men, are less aware of the importance of oral disease prevention.

"Prevention is quite essential," said Han. "The bad habits of childhood cause oral disease, which will bother you the rest of your life. In recent years, we have done stronger promotion on the prevention of oral disease among children. We believe that adults should serve as role models for kids in daily life."

According to a national study, nearly 60 percent of 5-year-olds in Beijing have dental cavaties. In other cities, the percentage reaches beyond 70 percent.

"Compared with the 10 percent rate required by the World Health Organization, we still need to do more on oral disease prevention among children," said Ge Lihong, director of the children's dental department at the Peking University School of Stomatology.

"If we can't prevent the disease in the childhood, it means millions of people in the city will suffer from oral disease 10 years later," Ge added.

The Peking University School of Stomatology receives more than 3,000 patients every day, among which 10 percent are children.

Ge said the one-child policy has created pampered children who are plied with too much soft food that is rich in sugar and fat.

A model mouth is on display during a health care event in Beijing. [Wu Ming/For China Daily]

"They have fewer opportunities to give their teeth a good workout," Ge said. "Hammers crack all the nuts they eat.

"The parents cleared up all the hard things they believe will hurt their kids. But what they are doing is not helping their children."

Starting with diet, Ge suggested, people should avoid overheated, too cold, and sweet and sour food. After three meals a day they should gargle with water, and brush.

Children should start brushing at age three with the guidance of parents.

"The proper way of cleaning and the duration are both important," Ge said. "Parents should brush for the child until they are five years old. Only with the proper method can teeth can get real protection."

According to Ge, overuse of milk bottles among babies in China is another cause of decayed teeth.

"I've seen a 4-year-old kid who is still using a bottle," Ge said.

Apart from such bad habits, tooth injuries are another emerging threat to the oral health of youngsters.

"More children had broken their teeth in recent years. Compared with the 1990s, their living condition is different and more likely to result in them being hurt," he said.

According to the Beijing health bureau, the municipal government had set a future plan of oral disease prevention. More than 90 percent of residents are expected to brush their teeth twice a day and 70 percent of them should adopt the correct manner of cleaning.

With help from the Beijing Stomatological Hospital, about 53,000 children in Beijing have received pit and fissure sealants since 2005. That has significantly reduced cases of tooth decay, officials said.