Lucknow: World Health Day 2025 commenced with a focus on preventive healthcare, emphasizing the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures. As oral health serves as a gateway to overall well-being, Dr. Pallavi Singh, Professor & Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Saraswati Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow, shared crucial insights into why people often delay dental visits until conditions become severe.
Dr. Singh pointed out that many individuals neglect dental issues until pain disrupts their daily routines. This tendency stems from a lack of awareness, fear of dental procedures, financial constraints, and the misconception that oral health is not a priority. Unfortunately, by the time they seek professional care, common conditions such as cavities, gum diseases, and infections have often progressed to an advanced stage, making tooth preservation difficult.
“Even when patients are advised on proper treatment, many avoid it due to cost concerns or fear, opting for extractions rather than preserving their natural teeth,” Dr. Singh stated. This cycle of neglect underlines the urgent need for widespread dental education and awareness initiatives.
Regular check-ups, preventive care, and early intervention can significantly reduce the need for severe treatments. To combat the issue, awareness programs should educate communities on the importance of oral hygiene, emphasizing the role of timely dental visits in preventing unnecessary tooth loss and ensuring overall well-being.
As World Health Day 2025 promotes the importance of holistic healthcare, experts stress that prioritizing oral health from an early stage can lead to healthier lives and brighter futures for individuals worldwide.
