Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 20: With appropriate awareness and the use of modern technology, nearly 85 per cent of oral health problems can be prevented, health experts said on Saturday during the 35th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR), held in the capital.
The three-day event brought together over 600 delegates, including 150 international participants from 20 countries. More than 30 national and international keynote speakers participated, focusing on fostering research-driven collaboration in oral and craniofacial sciences.
Speaking at the event, Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and organising chairman of the conference, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise oral health as part of the national health agenda.
“Oral diseases may not always be life-threatening, but they silently erode the quality of life,” said Verma. “Nearly 85 per cent of oral problems are preventable if addressed through awareness, preventive research, and the use of affordable technologies.”
He underlined the gap in accessibility and affordability of dental care, especially across rural and urban India, and stressed the role of innovation in bridging this divide. “Today, as lifestyles change and the standard of living rises, wellness cannot be achieved without oral health,” he added.
Verma noted that dental research offers vast potential, with 36 categories of focus including regenerative therapies, revitalising dead tissues, material sciences, and public health-oriented approaches.
Among the topics discussed, the harmful effects of alcohol on oral health were prominently highlighted. Dr. Aswini Y.B. from the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences explained that alcohol consumption begins to damage oral health from the very first sip.
“Our mouth has a delicate protective lining called the mucosa. Alcohol dries it out almost instantly. This dryness weakens the lining, triggers painful blisters, and makes the mouth far more vulnerable to infections,” said Dr. Aswini.
She explained that alcohol also impairs the flow of saliva, which serves as the mouth’s natural cleansing agent. “Without enough saliva, harmful bacteria thrive, infections spread faster, and over time, the risk of developing oral cancer increases,” she said.
Dr. Aswini also issued a strong warning about the combination of alcohol and tobacco, calling it a “deadly” habit. “This combination multiplies the risk of serious oral diseases, including cancers. Unfortunately, it’s a habit far too common, especially in India,” she said.
Other experts at the conference called on the public to recognise early signs of oral health deterioration, such as persistent dryness, sores, or discomfort, and seek medical help promptly. They emphasised that maintaining oral health goes beyond brushing twice a day and involves informed lifestyle choices.
The ISDR conference continues to serve as a critical platform for advancing dental science and promoting public awareness on the importance of oral health as part of overall wellness.