Dental Care (Prevention and Status) Among Family Practice Patients at a Teaching Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Dental caries and periodontal disease are highly prevalent among adolescents. Dental caries is referred as an infectious disease, and is the most prevalent disease affecting permanent teeth. It eventually leads to tooth loss and impairs chewing resulting in avoidance of hard and fibrous foods including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Preventive dental visits and proper oral health practices reduce such occurrences. The prevalence of caries is related to a low frequency of brushing and a higher consumption of sweets. Consumption of fluoridated water coupled with a reduction in nonmilk extrinsic sugar intake, is an effective means of caries prevention. Dietary counseling can help inhibiting the carious process. The prevalence of caries is reported to be higher in rural than in urban areas. In developing countries, life-style changes and dietary patterns are markedly increasing the incidence of caries.