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The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to mark the year 2000 as the Year of Dental Health. High level dentistry constitutes one of the measures of progress in a country and serves as a criterion of its inhabitants' regard for issues related to the prevention of diseases and safeguarding individual health.
Caries - tooth decay, is a disease in which the hard layers of the tooth are damaged and destroyed. This is the most widespread disease today, with over 95% of the population infected, starting from a young age. Caries is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that require fermenting carbohydrates, such as sugar, and which secrete acid. The tooth, which is protected by a layer of enamel, the tough material found in the body, cannot combat the attack of the carbohydrates that dissolve the outer layers of the tooth.
Plaque plays a significant role in the production of caries as well as in periodontal diseases. The removal of this layer of bacteria is the main objective in the fight against caries and periodontal diseases. If one does not follow the rules of correct brushing and oral hygiene, the bacteria and sugars remain on the surface of the tooth and operate undisturbed. The dentist's advice on dental health during the regular biannual visit at the clinic is crucial.
In maintaining dental health, it is important to emphasize a proper diet. The main damage to teeth is incurred from eating sticky carbohydrates that are not washed away properly by saliva. This food causes the acid level in the mouth to drop. Today one may find candies with sugar substitutes on the market, which are recommended for children by dentists.
Another effective measure in the war against caries is giving fluoride. A daily dose administered to children prevents caries and a prescription may be obtained at the dental clinic. The method of water fluoridation was introduced in many countries as well as in Israel.
Today, the dental community in Israel numbers 7,000 dentists. Israel is one of the countries in which the ratio between dentists and the population is one of the highest in the world. The Year of Dental Health serves as a reminder to educate the public regarding the importance of early reventative oral and dental treatment.
Dr. Haim Galon
