KATHMANDU, March 21: How often do you think about the teeth and gums that greet the world every time you smile? If your answer is “rarely,” it’s time to give your oral health some attention. Neglecting it can lead to early tooth loss, gum disease, and even more serious health problems.
Experts say that dedicating just four minutes in the morning and four minutes in the evening to brushing and cleaning is enough to keep your mouth healthy. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste after meals. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush for four minutes in each session helps protect your gums and teeth from infection. “If you give four minutes in the morning and four minutes in the evening to oral care, your teeth can remain strong even into old age,” Dr. Budhathoki said.
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Brushing alone isn’t enough. Doctors also advise avoiding sticky foods, heavily processed items, and foods that are overly sweet, hard, or acidic. Tobacco, alcohol, and junk food can take a serious toll on oral and lip health, so it is best to steer clear of them. Rinsing your mouth immediately after consuming sugary or processed foods and using dental floss to remove trapped particles can make a big difference. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and a dental check-up every six months are also essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Oral infections can have far-reaching effects. They can lead to low birth weight in babies born to pregnant women, gum disease in children, oral and lip cancer, and even kidney problems. Toothaches can make chewing difficult, which affects digestion and overall productivity.
In Nepal, poor awareness about oral hygiene has contributed to high rates of early tooth loss. Dr. Budhathoki warns that the growing consumption of processed foods and tobacco is also fuelling an increase in oral and lip cancer. Recent statistics show that 3–4 out of every 100,000 people in Nepal develop oral and lip cancer, while 54.3 percent of children aged 1–9 suffer from gum problems, and 14.5 percent of people aged 14 and above face gum-related issues.
To tackle these challenges, Nepal introduced the National Oral Health Policy 2081 BS, which, if fully implemented, can help control oral infections. “The policy empowers provincial and local governments to provide oral health services. Now it’s about proper implementation,” Dr. Budhathoki said.
