96% of monks suffering from tooth diseases

BANGKOK, Feb 12 (TNA) -- As many as 96 per cent of Thai monks and novices are suffering from tooth diseases resulted from consuming excessive amount of food made from flour and sugar, said Dr Wachira Pengjuntr, director-general of Public Health Ministry’s Health Department. Expressing his concern over the monks’ health, Dr Wachira said most of the monks and novices are suffering from decayed tooth, gingivitis and periodontal because they consume too much food made from flour and sugar. Most importantly, they do not clean their teeth properly, he said. A survey conducted since 2013 found that about 96 per cent of monks suffered from tooth problems compared to 86 per cent of working people aged between 35 – 44, he said. Dr Wachira suggested that monks and novices should eat lesser sweet and salted food as well as coffee, carbonated drinks and to properly clean their teeth daily. They should also visit dentists, he added. (TNA)