World Oral Health Day with the theme: "Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health" was celebrated yesterday in Bharatpur, Chitwan, jointly with District Coordination Committee (DCC), District Public Health Office (DPHO), Bharatpur Metropolitan City (BMC), Private Hospital Coordination Committee (PHCC), Chitwan Medical College (CMC), Saptagandaki College, Balkumari College, Balkumari Higher Secondary School of Health Science and Nursing Colleges etc. from March 17 to 23, 2018 under the ongoing project entitled " Reduction of POPs and Mercury from Health Sector of Nepal through Awareness raising, helping CTF set up and policy influences" Supported by UNDP GEF SGP Nepal and WAMFD.

 

Members of "Club of Environmental Science Saptagandaki", a eco club of Saptagandaki Multiple College participated on that event. Students started a rally from college and ended at Campachaur. Respected seniors gave a speech in front of a boisterous crowd and talked about oral health, mercury amalgam fillings and its poisoning.

 

World Oral Health Day History:

World Oral Health Day is observed annually on 20 March and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives. Of the world's population, 90% will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime, many avoidable. Organized by FDI World Dental Federation, World Oral Health Day involves campaigns by national dental associations from around the world with activities in over 130 countries

It was first declared in 2007 and was originally celebrated on 12 September - the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, after the date was changed to 20 March to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress taking place in September.

 

The new date was chosen to reflect that:

?         Seniors must have a total of 20 natural teeth at the end of their life to be considered healthy

?         Children should possess 20 baby teeth

?         Healthy adults must have a total of 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities

?         Expressed on a numerical basis this can be translated as 3/20 hence March 20

 

Effects of Dental Amalgam:

Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury. It releases low levels of mercury in the form of a vapor that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys.

 

The developing neurological systems in fetuses and young children may be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of mercury vapor. Very limited to no clinical data is available regarding long-term health outcomes in pregnant women and their developing fetuses, and children under the age of six, including infants who are breastfed.  Pregnant women and parents with children under six who are concerned about the absence of clinical data as to long-term health outcomes should talk to their dentist.

 

However, the estimated amount of mercury in breast milk attributable to dental amalgam is low and falls well below general levels for oral intake that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers safe. Despite the limited clinical information, FDA concludes that the existing risk information supports a finding that infants are not at risk for adverse health effects from the mercury in breast milk of women exposed to mercury vapor from dental amalgam.

 

Alternatives to Mercury Amalgam Fillings

Alternatives to amalgam include composite resin, glass ionomer, porcelain, and gold, among other options. 

 

Composite restorations offer many advantages including:

?         Cosmetic and esthetic – blends in naturally

?         Smooth and bonded margins- less plaque accumulation and opportunity for recurrent decay

?         Conservative- less tooth structure must be removed to make space for the filling

?         Easily repaired- any chips can easily be repaired seamlessly with surface roughening and addition of composite

?         Reinforces remaining tooth structure- since the composite is bonded to the tooth, it reinforces the remaining structure and prevents wedging forces from causing cracks and fractures with repeated chewing

?         Seals the dentin from future decay

 

Avoid Mercury amalgam fillings. Use the alternatives and stay healthy. 😊 😊

 

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