It is important to adopt good habits

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Dentistry Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Bulut advised that since 1996, the week from 18-24 November each year has been celebrated as "Community Oral and Dental Health Week", and that 22nd November is celebrated as "Dentists Day".

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayse Bulut noted that Turkeys first ‘dentistry school’ opened on 22nd November, 1908, and emphasized in her statements that it is accepted as the beginning of scientific dentistry, and underlined that dentistry in Turkey entered a modern process from the 22nd November 1908 onwards. Showing its effects in the TRNC during the last quarter of the 20th century, Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut noted that it has reached the desired level in the country.

Emphasizing that the week is important in order to draw attention to oral and dental health and in gaining the right habits, Bulut stated that this contributes to societal awareness in relation to oral and dental health.

Assist Prof. Dr. Bulut explained that health is the state of a person's physical, mental and social well-being, and noted that a healthy life begins with oral and dental health.

Stating that tooth and gum diseases are among the most important health problems, Bulut said that it increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, stomach problems, and premature birth or low birth weight in women.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut emphasized that oral and dental health problems are generally neglected because they do not directly threaten life and said, “In order to raise awareness about oral and dental health, education should be started at a young age, and oral and dental care should be made into a habit. Parents, teachers, healthcare organizations and the media have an important influence on the education of children and young people”.

Noting that the protection of oral and dental health does not take much time or cost much, Bulut said that it is one of the first and easiest measures for health.

Bulut stated that within the scope of preventive oral and dental health, in addition to fluoride applications in kindergartens and primary schools, education and screening studies should be carried out with health institutions. “It is important to brush the teeth and tongue correctly at least twice a day, to use dental floss once a day and to visit the dentist regularly" she concluded.