Kuwait, May 2, 2024: Kuwait Dental Association (KDA) recently hosted a four-day event at The Avenues Mall to highlight the effect of oral health on general wellbeing as well as the social and economic impact of oral disease. Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi attended the opening of the event, which comes as part of an annual awareness campaign organized by the KDA in collaboration with the Health Ministry to reduce the burden of oral disease in Kuwait by promoting preventive health measures.

Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases are among the most widespread noncommunicable diseases across the globe. In Kuwait, the prevalence of untreated tooth decay among individuals aged 5 and above exceeded 30% in 2019 according to a World Health Organization (WHO) 2022 report, while severe periodontal disease affected nearly 20% of individuals aged 15 and above that same year.

Oral disease also comes with a hefty price tag, the report shows. Total expenditure on dental healthcare in Kuwait topped $200 million in 2019, while productivity losses stemming from oral disease totaled a staggering $374 million.

“Kuwait Dental Association has long led efforts to raise awareness about the importance of oral healthcare in general and among young people in specific,” said Dr. Bsais Al-Ajmi, Head of the Oral Health Campaign, adding: “Studies have proven that leading by example is one of the most successful methods to effect change among youth. It’s important for parents to instill positive dental and oral hygiene habits in their children at an early age.”

“We believe that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, especially where our teeth are concerned. We can prevent many conditions, from periodontal disease to tooth decay, by practicing good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist. Preventive dentistry is integral to maintaining optimal oral health and generally saves patients money, time, and pain,” Al-Ajmi said.

KDA set up special interactive booths with dental health specialists on-site throughout the event to provide expert advice on proper hygiene practices. Visitors were able to ask questions and participate in educational sessions designed to enhance their dental care routines.