Breat, CA -- (SBWire) -- 02/24/2014 --In a recent study, the University of Copenhagen and the World Health Organization (WHO) found out that schools have important roles in promoting health and prevention of disease.
According the Poul Erik Petersen, a Global Health Specialist and a professor at the Department of Odontology at the University of Copenhagen, "Children in Scandinavia generally have healthy teeth and gums, largely on account of dental care in schools for all children, the arrival of fluoride toothpaste on the market, a healthy lifestyle, and high living standards. But the situation in the poorest countries of the world is very different to that in Scandinavia. However, it is positive to note that the WHO's Health Promoting Schools Initiative is gaining ground at global level, and that they are gradually wiping out the social inequities in dental health.”
He added, "We have collected data based on questions about health and dental care from 61 countries that run health programmes in schools. Our findings reveal that those schools that have set up healthy school environments - and which offer all children education in dental health and disease prevention - are generally well-placed to set children on a path to a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives, with regard to issues such as diet, physical exercise, tobacco, alcohol and HIV control."
The survey covered different countries that run formalized teaching about brushing of teeth. However, not all countries have access to clean water, such as countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
This resulted to social inequality. Peterson explained, "Even in a rich country like Denmark, we see social inequalities to dental care, despite the fact that dental health here is much improved among both children and adults. The socially and financially disadvantaged groups of the population show a high incidence of tooth and mouth complaints compared with the more affluent groups."
"Inequality is greater in developing countries where people are battling with limited resources, an increasing number of children with toothache, children suffering from HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases - combined with a lack of preventive measures and trained healthcare staff.”
Assuring good dental health is so dynamic that schools also have a significant role in promoting awareness. The roles of schools, together with the parents, doctors, and peers, are important. This is why Dr. Grant A. Burdick makes sure that all patients are well-educated about the importance of dental health. Over the years, he has maintained private practice where patients have seen dramatic changes on their over-all health. Visit http://www.designedsmiles.com/ for more details.
Social Inequalities Linked by Dental Care in School