Pakistan Reports Alarming Rise In Oral Diseases

Health experts in Pakistan have expressed concern over alarming rise in oral diseases in Pakistan and has blamed chewing of tobacco products and betel nuts as main reasons for the surge.

An event was held in Karachi ahead of the World Oral Health Day, observed worldwide Sep 12 to spread awareness about oral health and hygiene, Daily Times reported Monday.

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S.M. Qaiser Sajjad, a noted surgeon and senior official of the Pakistan Medical Association, said oral cancer tops the list of all prevalent cancers in the country.

He said 70-75 percent cases of oral cancer were due to consuming betel nut and chewing tobacco.

Pakistanis are becoming victims of submucous fibrosis, a condition in which opening of jaws is gradually limited, he said.

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He said that in Karachi there has been a massive increase in the number of users of flavored tobacco. This dangerous product is openly available for just Rs.6-8 and also being consumed by children.

He said some 122 brands of betel nut products are available in the market, and the irony was that many of those brands are imported.

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A survey conducted at the University of Karachi revealed that traces of heroin were found in blood samples of 19 students although none of them were addicted to the narcotic.

Source-IANS

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