Half of Srilanka population suffering from oral diseases

• Tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease considered the most common mouth diseases 
• Oral cancer is considered the number one cancer in Sri Lanka, and it is spreading faster among people

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama 

At least 50% of the population are estimated to be suffering from some form of mouth disease, Deputy Director General Dental Services Dr. Ananda Jayalal said. 

Addressing the media, he said the majority of people used to consult dentists after suffering from toothache, swallowing difficulties, or being unable to eat food. 

Especially, tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease were considered the most common mouth diseases in society.  

Oral cancer is considered the number one cancer in Sri Lanka, and it is spreading faster among people. 
The main cause of the spread of oral cancer is chewing betel mixed with arecanuts and tobacco, and the Health Promotions Bureau is taking measures to discourage chewing betel, as well as a programme for the early detection of such oral diseases. Also, measures had been taken to promote toothpaste with fluoride.  Therefore. “We recommend the public to consult a dentist every six months and brush their teeth after every meal,” he said.