Oral Health: Essential for Children to the Elderly

 Oral Health: Essential for Children to the Elderly

In Nepal, oral cancer is more common in men over 50 years of age, and smoking is the main cause, and new cases have increased by 35.71 percent.

'In today's busy lifestyle, not all of us are able to keep our mouths healthy, which directly affects our overall physical health. Therefore, a healthy mouth is a healthy life.'

The slogan of World Oral Health Day 2026 is 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life'.

Due to their damaged teeth, they are afraid and hesitant to speak or laugh in front of a crowd of people. This also affects their mental health. On the other hand, they feel inferior and consider themselves weak.

There are many problems that arise from not keeping their mouths healthy. Nowadays, various types of problems are seen in the teeth of young children to the elderly. Dental problems and pain also affect a person's eating and sleeping habits, which negatively affects their overall physical health. Today, about 3.7 billion people worldwide are found to be suffering from some form of oral disease.

Nowadays, people with dental and oral problems are found in most homes. It is necessary to discuss why we continue to face such problems.

New research conducted in the health sector has found that the impact of oral health is directly linked to complex problems such as diabetes, pressure, and mental illness that are prevalent worldwide today. There are examples of minor problems and common neglect and negligence causing dental and oral problems.

Awareness campaigns about oral health should be run at school and community levels. There is a need to change the general trend and perception that oral problems are not a big deal.

On the occasion of Oral Health Day, the World Dental Federation and its related bodies and various organizations are organizing programs by prioritizing oral health and its direct impact, overall physical health, nutritional support, and its impact on mental health. Initiatives are underway to take this to the community level.

As March 20 is celebrated as World Oral Health Day, countries affiliated with this organization celebrate it by organizing various programs in their respective countries. In the case of Nepal, the Nepal Dental Association has played a major role in organizing free dental camps nationwide, promoting awareness and eliminating dental diseases.

Chitwan Medical College has been organizing various rallies throughout the month of March to spread awareness, from free dental OPD services. Rangauli and placard displays, as well as various programs such as debates and video competitions have been organized in the hospital.

Poor oral health not only affects gum and tooth problems but also affects the main systems of our body such as the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, and nervous system.

A study has shown that oral cancer is a major public health problem in Nepal. Oral cancer is also a major cancer in the body. It is mainly found to be more prevalent in men over the age of 50. Smoking and excessive consumption of tobacco products can be considered the main reason for this.

In a study conducted in 2018-2019, it was found that about 35.71 percent of new oral cancer patients were added. Which is increasing day by day. In which the proportion of men was found to be between 66.7 percent and 74.5 percent. On the one hand, cancer has a physical effect, on the other hand, it also has a mental and family effect.

For oral health, it is necessary to brush your teeth regularly twice a day after eating, reduce sugary foods and rinse your mouth after eating, eat a healthy balanced diet, and consult a dentist regularly every 6-6 months.

You should not smoke, consume tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, and encourage your children to keep their mouths healthy. Such habits and activities can identify and treat oral and dental diseases at an early stage.