'35 m cavities to be filled each year'

Tooth decay among those between six and 12 has dropped to around 20 percent from a staggeringly high rate, said an official of the Health Ministry at a ceremony to mark Signal tooth paste's 55th anniversary last week. However reports reveal that there are around 35 million cavities to be filled each year due to improper maintenance of teeth and around 65 percent of the population is affected by dental decay.

Prof. Prasad Amaratunga of the Faculty of Dental Science, Peradeniya University, said that the number of patients with dental decay has increased due to poor oral care.

"The use of toothpaste containing fluoride has helped reduce dental caries.

It is vital not only to brush teeth at least twice a day but a proper method is essential,", Prof. Amaratunga said.

Sri Lanka Dental Association President Dr. Asoka Amunugama said that the Association has a scheme which approves dental care products.Unilever Sri Lanka Managing Director Siddharth Banrejee said that the company has worked with SLDA for over 30 years to promote fluoride toothpaste and added that Unilever has embarked on a program to achieve a 'cavity free' Sri Lanka.