Dzulkefly: Malaysians have low awareness of dental health

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Eight out of ten Malaysians are not aware that they have dental problems, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

According to Dr Dzulkefly, studies show that only 27.4% of adults go for a dental check up every year, and 42% of adults visit the dentist every two years.

Speaking at the launch of the World Dental Health Day Celebration here on Wednesday (March 20), he said the low percentage was mainly because many perceive that they do not have dental problems.

"The general paradigm is that teeth are associated with beauty, not illnesses such as non-communicable diseases and this is sad," he said.

He said there were many serious illnesses such as mouth cancer and oral infection caused by bacteria, which could require intensive care treatment at the hospital. – Bernama