DH calls on members of public to maintain oral health for comprehensive physical and mental well-being in support of World Oral Health Day

DH calls on members of public to maintain oral health for comprehensive physical and mental well-being in support of World Oral Health Day 
Oral health is closely related to physical health
 
     The Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of DH, Dr Kitty Hse, remarked that oral health not only affects eating ability, language expression and personal appearance, but is also closely related to overall health. Excessive sugar intake in daily diets can cause tooth decay and also increases the risk of obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To address these health challenges, the Government has just launched Hong Kong’s inaugural Action Plan on Weight Management 
     Controlling sugar intake is one of the most effective ways to achieve the concept of “A Happy Mouth is … a Happy Life”. Dr Hse emphasised that sugar-reduction-based dental care habits should be cultivated from infancy. Parents should avoid letting infants fall asleep with a feeding bottle in their mouth and should brush their child’s teeth twice daily once their child starts teething, to reduce the risk of tooth decay. During childhood and adolescence, parents should help their children establish the habit of brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night, avoid frequent consumption of high-sugar snacks and drinks, and take their children for regular oral health check-ups annually, laying a solid foundation for good dental care from an early age.

Government dental services cover “all ages”
 
     The Government adopts the strategy of widely promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare among citizens across all age groups.
      The DH’s dental services cover all primary and secondary school students under 18 and preschool children in Hong Kong, aiming to provide continuous oral health support from preschool through school age, help children establish good lifestyle habits from the earliest stages of life, and guide them to maintain regular oral check-ups throughout their lives for early prevention of dental problems.
 
     Upon reaching adulthood, members of the public should cultivate good oral health habits through daily practices, including thorough daily cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces, regular oral check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing sugar intake, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption. These habits can help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The Government provides oral health education, oral hygiene instructions, and risk assessment services in the community through DHCs and non-governmental organisations. It also collaborates with relevant dental clinics to assist DHCs in offering oral health care services to designated high-risk groups. Through implementing the principle of “early prevention, early detection and early treatment” of dental diseases, members of the public can effectively preserve their teeth and maintain oral function in later stages of life, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
      
     To strengthen oral health protection, the Government launched the Community Dental Support Programme 
     In support of this year’s World Oral Health Day, Dr Hse said that the DH has not only launched a promotional video, but also organised a thematic exhibition at the following venues. Members of the public are welcome to visit:     For more information on oral health and relevant programmes, members of public may visit the DH’s Oral Health Promotion Division’s online platforms and relevant websites:Issued at HKT 9:30