Specialist Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake of the Sri Lanka Dental Association revealed that 50% of Sri Lanka’s population brushes their teeth only once a day. He expressed this observation during a press conference held to mark World Oral Health Day which falls on March 20.
According to Dr. Ratnayake, oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, affecting around 34% of the population — approximately 3.5 billion people. Oral diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
He emphasized the importance of using fluoride toothpaste for maintaining good oral health. However, 25% of Sri Lanka’s population does not use fluoride toothpaste, contributing to poor oral health outcomes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as the state of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures that enable individuals to eat, breathe, and speak comfortably while also influencing self-confidence, well-being, and social interaction. WHO highlights that oral health is essential to overall health and helps individuals reach their full potential throughout life.
The prevalence of oral diseases is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to population growth and ageing. WHO further notes that oral diseases are more common among vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, especially those living in low socio-economic conditions.
