The COVID-19 pandemic has nudged people to reprioritise their overall health and well-being, reorientating healthier habits overall. However, this positive shift did not translate into better oral care, a cornerstone of physical health. Global research commissioned by Unilever found that two in three (64%) people admitted they are not worried about their oral health, despite 70% having experienced oral care issues such as tooth pain and cavities since the COVID-19 outbreak. In this context, the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA), FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale – World Dental Federation) and Unilever Sri Lanka came together on World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2021, to highlight the importance of oral health on overall health in a pandemic struck the world.
One key highlight of the celebrations was the launch of a publication on oral health issues during the pandemic titled ‘Your Oral Health in the Presence of COVID-19.’The book, which will be made available to all dental professionals, was launched in keeping with this year’s WOHD global theme ‘Be Proud of your mouth’. Compiled by the SLDA, the book focuses on how oral health in Sri Lanka has gradually diminished due to the change in people’s habits during the pandemic and highlights good oral habits each person can adopt in their day-to-day lives to improve their oral hygiene.
In his welcome speech, Dr A. Sundar, President of the SLDA said, “COVID-19 has changed the lives of everyone not sparing the dental industry. Dental professionals world over call the consequences of the pandemic on people’s oral health a dental disaster. Higher incidence of tooth decay and more advanced gum diseases have been reported. People have changed their routines, skipping twice a day brushing, snacking between meals at home and not visiting the dentist.”
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