India launches oral health strategy

The Indian government is about to launch a programme to tackle the subcontinent's poor standards of oral and dental health. The campaign will raise awareness of the dangers of sugary food and tobacco products.

“Periodontal disease affects 90-95% of our population, and dental caries affects 60-80% of our children,” said Hari Parkash, president of the Indian Dental Association and head of dental surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Malocclusion of teeth is also common among …