63% preschoolers affected due to sugary drinks and biscuits

Sri Lanka’s dental experts have sounded the alarm over rising rates of tooth decay, with 63% of preschoolers affected largely due to sugary drinks and biscuits.

Speaking at a Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) media briefing on Wednesday (13), HPB Community Dental Specialist Dr. Shanika Mututantri said using fluoride was key to minimising dental decay and maintaining good oral health. She noted that 80% of working-age adults also suffered from dental caries.

“Fluoride is the only element known to protect teeth from decay,” she said, warning that many whitening toothpastes erode enamel and could cause serious harm.

Family Health Bureau (FHB) Community Dental Specialist Dr. Nimalie Wellappuli stressed that the first permanent molar, which emerges at age six, must last a lifetime. However, children’s diets are causing rapid deterioration. She said fissure sealant treatment could help prevent decay, with school dental clinics already offering it and hospital clinics set to follow.

According to the 2015–2016 National Oral Health Survey, 63% of five-year-olds have early childhood caries. An FHB review in 2023 found that 57.3% of Grade One pupils have decayed teeth.

By Sujatha Jayaratne