In Sri Lanka, Oral Cancer affects more men than any other cancer and has the highest mortality rate of three deaths per day, with around six new cases reported each day and annually around 2,500 oral cancer patients are detected from Sri Lanka, Health Authorities said.
According to the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) the consumption of betel, arecanuts, tobacco and various other drugs has increased among schoolchildren and youth. This situation has badly affected the increase of oral health issues.
“The public is aware of the risks associated with tobacco use; however, it indirectly led to a rise in the consumption of arecanuts without tobacco in betel quid that finally ended up causing Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).” sources said. According to the experts, oral diseases are often neglected but are one of the major health concerns in several parts of the world. However, most dental issues can be prevented and treated with the right medical assistance.
World Oral Health Day is observed on March 20 every year with the aim to reduce the burden of oral diseases. The theme for Oral Health Day 2024 is ‘A happy mouth is a happy body.’
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Globally, oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide. Between 1990 and 2019, estimated case numbers of oral diseases increased by more than 1 billion, which translates to a 50 percent increase, higher than the population increase of about 45 percent in the same period.”
“It is important to note that most risk factors for oral diseases are modifiable including excess sugar consumption, tobacco consumption, poor oral hygiene, alcohol use and more. Therefore, encouraging individuals to take care of their oral health can make a huge difference,” WHO sources said.
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