Babul plays hell with children’s mouth

By Don Asoka Wijewardena

A comprehensive survey, conducted by the Health Ministry’s Oral Health Unit, has revealed that many school going children were prone to oral cancer because the mucus membranes of their mouths were already beginning to thicken due to chewing intoxicating substances. The survey had also found that every Sri Lankan has, on average, at least six decayed teeth or other dental complications.

The main factors for contracting such kind of cancer, identified as Sub Mucus Fibrosis, are consumption of Babul, various other betel products and smoking. Among the adult population smoking cigarettes, cigars and chewing betel have become leading causes of developing oral cancers, Deputy Director General of Oral Health Unit Dr. Jayasundara Bandara said.

He told The Island on World Oral Health Day, yesterday, that Oral health complications could be eliminated and prevented. "People must practice proper oral health habits at all times. Of late, school children had become widespread users of Babul, Betel, cigarettes and various kinds of sweets. It was the bounden duty of parents to discourage children from taking to these bad habits," he said.

He pointed out that among the adult population, though people were beginning to refrain from smoking, they had got used to betel chewing. It was found that 80 per cent of bus drivers and conductors in private and SLTB buses were in the habit of chewing betel The Oral Health Unit would conduct awareness programmes in co-ordination with Road Passenger Transport Authorities country-wide.

Dr. Jayasindara added that dental cavities, decaying of teeth, weakness of teeth and excessive consumption of sweets had been the main factors for unhealthy oral health. Even smoking would contribute towards the mouth’s mucus membrane decaying.

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