Most Malaysian adults don’t emphasise oral health — Survey
MIRI: Some 75 per cent of Malaysian adults are unaware of the need for oral health.
This was revealed by the National Oral Health Survey of Malaysian Adults 2010 ( Nohsa 2010).
Senior director of Oral Health Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Datuk Dr Noor Aliyah Ismail believes they have limited knowledge of oral health despite oral healthcare services being provided by the Ministry of Health.
“Most of them came to know about oral health after treatment at dental clinics, and through community activities organised by the ministry. I can say that distribution of information and awareness among adults are limited with the resources we have,” Dr Noor Aliyah said at the launch of the State-level Teeth Icon (iGG) at Imperial Permaisuri Mall here yesterday afternoon.
Some 25 percent of Malaysian adults have experienced government oral healthcare services.
Dr Noor Aliyah said the survey also revealed that nine out of 10 adults suffer from gum problems that respond to oral hygiene, 710 have dental problems, and 810 adults are unaware of dental health problems.
The iGG programme, she said, involves community involvement in spreading awareness of oral health and services.
The icon is a facilitator to increase awareness on importance of oral health and services.
Also present was deputy state director for oral health, Dr Chia Jit Chia.