Indian Dental Association IDA launches Abhaya program focusing on women’s oral health

Indian Dental Association IDA launches Abhaya program focusing on women’s oral health. Oral health of women is challenged by neglect of oral hygiene and internal hormonal factors; this affects overall health, as the mouth is gateway to overall women’s health.

In 1946 Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed a visionary dentist, pioneered setting up of Indian Dental Association (IDA). Initially IDA was called All India Dental Association. IDA has affiliation with FDI World Dental Federation. Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed is known as ‘Father of Indian Dentistry’.

IDA represents the dental professionals of India; IDA has 75000 plus members, 450 local branches, 29 state branches, 7 union territory branches and 1 defense branch. The objective of IDA includes promotion of public oral health. IDA has several programs to enhance understanding and addressing issues of public oral health. IDA is committed to improvement of oral health of public through innovation in education, training, research, advocacy and related programs.

As per WHO, oral health affects nearly 3.5 billion people across the world. Many oral diseases are preventable. Untreated oral disease causes pain, discomfort, disfiguring of face, disability and even death. Untreated permanent tooth caries is the most common health condition as per Global Burden of Disease 2019. Consumption of high sugary foods, tobacco and alcohol usage causes tooth decay and gum disease. Underlying conditions like diabetes worsen the situation for patients. Lack of knowledge and poor oral hygiene is the most common reason for bad oral health.

When we discuss with dentists they cite various cases of poor oral hygiene. For instance, lack of denture hygiene results in gum infection and in unfortunate cases, the oral fungal infection spreads to brain, which is fatal. Poor denture hygiene leads to dentures having high plaque and consequently, at times dentures in such cases, adhere to the gums. Poor oral hygiene in children leads to irritability, poor study habits, and improper food intake. Oral care when neglected leads to other consequences including poor socialization. Oral health is the key to overall physical, mental and social health.

Also Read: Oral health: An important priority

IDA Abhaya campaign: focusing on women’s oral health

Oral health of women is challenged by neglect of oral hygiene and internal hormonal factors; this affects overall health, as the mouth is gateway to overall women’s health.

1. At puberty, where there is onset of menstruation or sexual maturation of girl child, increased female hormones may cause tender gums and bleeding on brushing.

2. During the menstruation phase, menstruation gingivitis (inflammation of gums), dry mouth, bad breath, reduced saliva production, and mouth sores can occur. The use of oral contraceptives makes gums sensitive and consequently gum bleeding occurs easily.

3. During pregnancy, gum bleeding – particularly in cases of pre-existing gum disease – is frequently seen. Pregnancy may cause changes in saliva composition that leads to enamel erosion. Nausea and vomiting during first trimester puts erosion stress on the teeth of pregnant women.

4. In the menopause period, when there is stop of menstruation, jaw bone density may reduce and that can lead to severe gum disease. Further, dental sensitivity discomfort and pain on exposure to ingested hot or cold fluids, reduced saliva production, burning sensation in mouth, reduced saliva production, gum recession, dry mouth, altered taste sensation, tooth decay and a condition called menopausal gingivostomatitis (shiny, pale & dry gums that bleed easily) occur in vulnerable women.

Group Pharmaceuticals @ IDA Abhaya program for women’s oral health

There is a dire need to launch educational programs and lead the change for enhanced awareness and management of oral conditions in women during her different stages of life. IDA has ideated the Abhaya program for women’s oral health to fill this gap. And partnering IDA in this noble venture is Group Pharmaceuticals (www.grouppharma.com), which is a professionally managed international oral healthcare products company. The motto of Group Pharmaceuticals IDA Abhaya program is: WE ENVISION A HEALTHIER LIFE FOR EVERY WOMAN IN INDIA THROUGH EVERYDAY ORAL CARE. Please check out this website: https://abhaya.ida.org.in/ wherein engagement programs of IDA Abhaya program are updated.

IDA as a visionary stakeholder in oral healthcare activities of India and has taken the lead to provide a very relevant ABHAYA women’s oral health campaign. This shall contribute to higher quality of life and provides impetus to dental tourism, as there is a buzz of admiration for the ABHAYA campaign across other countries too.