• Lankans consume 24 kg excess sugar per annum, 25% don’t use toothpaste with fluoride  

The Health Ministry noted that Sri Lankans pay inadequate attention to dental health, and that the available statistics suggest that only 50% of Sri Lankans brush their teeth twice a day.

This was highlighted during a press briefing held by the ministry's Health Promotion Bureau yesterday (19), which had been organised for the World Oral Health Day which falls today (20).

During the discussion, the World Oral Health Day Committee of the Sri Lanka Dental Association Chairperson consultant specialist dental surgeon Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake, pointed out the lack of attention given to dental health compared to the health of other parts of the body. He stressed that it is crucial for the public to understand that good oral health has a positive impact on a person's psychological wellbeing which in turn has an impact on their overall wellbeing.

“Around 3.5 billion of the world population is living with oral health issues, making it the most common type of health issue globally, including as a non-communicable disease,” he explained, further observing that dental issues such as tooth decay not receiving sufficient attention in the initial stages of the disease allow them to develop into major health issues later.

Dr. Ratnayake added that one of the key reasons for tooth decay in Sri Lanka is the high consumption of sugary food. He revealed that a Sri Lankan consumes 34 kilograms (kg) of sugar a year, although the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation is merely 10 kg a year.

“Another reason for tooth decay is not using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Around 75% of the population uses such toothpaste; but, around 25% don’t,” he added.