For lack of information, 27 million Brazilians have never been to the dentist

On National Day Dentist and Oral Health, President of Associação Brasileira de Odontologia (ABO), Newton Miranda de Carvalho says he would like to return to the old system where, instead of just being professional in the office, he worked in primary schools. We reduce the number of cavities much with this system informs.

The basic problem is that health education is still poor. Government action is still insufficient adds.

According to the Ministry of Health, Brazil has 22,139 oral health teams in action. Still, Carvalho says that there are still 27 million Brazilians who have never been to a dentist, for lack of information or lack of access. The 22 000 oral health teams that exist in Brazil are a great advance, but not enough to put the problem of oral health in acceptable levels, says Carvalho.

Aline Lopes, a dentist core family health in Samambaia, City Federal District, highlights the importance of the performance of a team like this in the community. The big advantage is that we can get the next patient. I know the families who attend. I can trace them, follow them from the root of his problems, he says.

Brazil has the largest number of dentists in the world, but the geographic maldistribution is the problem, says the president of ABO. Newton Oak explains that a simple examination your dentist can detect early problems ranging from a simple decay until something more serious, such as cancer of the mouth.

"Oral cancer is increasing ridiculously. By 2012, we estimate that about 7000 people were diagnosed with the disease. For 2013, we estimate 14 000. This is a very high rate, is doubling in a short space of time. Is tobacco, alcohol, unprotected sun, radiation attacks the lip, "warns Carvalho.

Moreover, the president of ABO explains that the medical and dental literature is rich with examples of proven relationships between the mouth and heart and lung disease, diabetes, hypertension and even the birth of premature babies.

Newton Oak recommends going to the dentist every six months. Who brush their teeth three to four times a day and not to leave the dentist. It is only when the tooth hurts that we should go to the dentist. Often when a tooth hurts, the problem is advanced. For him, the National Day Dentist is not just for celebrations, is to remember that there are oral diseases.

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