The Official Launch Of The Oral Health Campaign

07 May 2005

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister Of State For Information, Communication and the Arts and Health

Venue: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza

Chairman Health Promotion Board, Mr Wong Yew Meng,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at the launch of the Oral Health Campaign 2005. 

Although oral diseases are rarely life threatening, they can disrupt our daily activities such as eating, speaking and may even affect our quality of life.  The treatment and management of oral diseases also result in additional healthcare expenditure for individuals.  Thus the Health Promotion Board is launching the Oral Health Campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of oral health and educate them on how they can prevent the onset of common dental diseases. 

The findings of the Health Promotion Board's Oral Health Survey in 2003 among adults aged 20 - 74 years have charted the direction for this year's campaign and will also provide a guiding framework for subsequent ones. 

The Survey showed an improvement compared to the last survey in 1996 in the caries status among the adults as shown by a reduction in the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index from 9 to 8.1 and an increase in the proportion of adults who were caries free from 7% to 10%. However, the prevalence of periodontal disease among the adults was high.  The survey showed that close to 85% of the adults had mild to moderate forms of periodontal disease.  Hence, the focus for this year's campaign is periodontal disease and how individuals can prevent its onset.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and bone which support and hold the teeth.  Periodontal disease, if left untreated can eventually lead to tooth loss.  The main cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene which results in a build-up of dental plaque around the gums. 

Recognizing the high prevalence of periodontal disease among the population, the Health Promotion Board has planned a series of programmes and activities aimed at raising public awareness about the disease.  In conjunction with this launch, a 2-day public education roadshow has been planned here in the heart of Orchard Road.  A diverse range of activities ranging from skits, quizzes, interactive games and exhibitions have been lined up to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the disease and its prevention.  In addition to this, public forums will also be organized over the next few months.

It is with pleasure that I now launch the Oral Health Campaign.

Thank you.