New Study Advocates School Toothbrushing Program to Combat Dental Caries in India
School ‘toothbrushing’ programme can cut India’s caries burden, save treatment costs, PGI study
The Indian Express
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A study by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) suggests that a supervised toothbrushing program in government schools could significantly reduce dental caries among children in India. This cost-effective intervention, requiring only a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, could save treatment costs and promote lifelong oral hygiene habits.
- 01Supervised toothbrushing in schools could reduce India's dental caries burden.
- 02The program is cost-effective, saving ₹153 for each caries incidence averted.
- 03Implementing this program could prevent at least one tooth from developing caries over a lifetime.
- 04The initiative can be integrated into existing school health programs.
- 05It addresses preventive care gaps, especially for economically vulnerable children.
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A new study from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) highlights the potential of a nationwide supervised toothbrushing program in government schools as a cost-effective intervention to combat dental caries in India. The research, led by Dr. Arpit Gupta and published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, emphasizes that a simple routine of daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, supervised by teachers or health workers, can significantly improve children's oral health. The study's mathematical modeling indicates that this intervention could prevent at least one tooth from developing caries over an individual's lifetime. It estimates that for every caries incidence averted, the program could save ₹153, while delivering health benefits at a cost of ₹22,202 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, placing it in the cost-effective range for India. The program aims to build lifelong oral hygiene habits during school years and could substantially reduce the economic burden of dental treatments, especially for children from economically vulnerable households who often lack regular dental check-ups. As India expands its school health initiatives, integrating this toothbrushing program could enhance preventive care and ultimately lead to better overall health outcomes for children.
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Implementing this toothbrushing program could lead to significant long-term health benefits and cost savings for families, particularly those in economically vulnerable situations.
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