KARACHI, Sept 22: Lack of attention on oral hygiene and absence of preventive measures on part of people are leading to a sudden surge in the incidence rate of gum infections and dental diseases.

Prof Mushtaq Ahmed, head of the dentistry and orthodontics department, JPMC, talking to APP said periodontal and dental caries were the commonest problems among the Karachiites.

“These are leading to a surge in the incidence of otherwise preventable tooth decay among a considerable number of locals,” he said.

According to him, caries - an outcome of excessive consumption of carbohydrates, refined sugar and soft drinks with little consideration for proper brushing of teeth - is largely witnessed among children and adolescent.

The situation could be improved through public awareness and adequate provision to educate children at school level, Dr Mushtaq said.

He referred to the increasing trend of resorting to pan (betel leaves) and chaliya (betel nuts) chewing along with gutka.

Dr Mushtaq mentioned that constant development made in the field of medicine could efficiently tackle the situation but due to lack of resources it was not possible to do so.

“The situation calls for prevention as dental treatment is generally an expensive option,” he said.

According to him, two new dental units have been installed at the dental department of the JPMC at a cost of Rs2 million. Under the recent arrangements, patients visiting the department were being provided laser surgery as well as implantation on modern lines.

Dr Mushtaq said Rs14 million had been allocated for the department for the year 2002 and 2003, out of which Rs2 million have been used on the units. The remaining Rs12 million would be provided by the end of the current year, he added.