NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH PROGRAMME

NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH PROGRAMME

• Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2014.

• Aims to provide accessible, affordable and quality oral health care to all.

• Objective: To reduce the prevalence of oral diseases and promote oral health awareness among the population.

• Integrates preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative oral health services into primary health care.

• Establishes Oral Health Cells at national, state, and district levels.

• Provision for oral health screening and early diagnosis at primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centers (CHCs).

• Oral Health Care included in Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).

• Focus on capacity building of dental surgeons and primary care providers.

• Collaboration with schools for School Oral Health Programmes.

• Promotes IEC/BCC (Information, Education, Communication / Behavior Change Communication) activities.

• Supports research and data collection for oral disease burden assessment.

• Encourages integration of oral health with general health programmes.

METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF ORAL MALIGNANCY

Modern Concepts from Standard ENT Textbooks (e.g., Dhingra, PL Dhingra’s Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat)

• Avoidance of Risk Factors:

  • Tobacco (smoking and chewing) cessation.

  • Avoidance of alcohol abuse.

  • Protection from UV exposure (especially for lips).

  • Avoid betel quid and areca nut use.

• Early Detection and Screening:

  • Regular oral examination in high-risk individuals.

  • Use of visual inspection, toluidine blue staining, brush biopsy, and oral cytology.

  • Community-based screening programmes.

• Nutritional Modifications:

  • High intake of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.

  • Correction of nutritional deficiencies, especially iron and folate.

• Public Awareness Campaigns:

  • Oral cancer awareness programs.

  • Education regarding symptoms like non-healing ulcers, leukoplakia, erythroplakia.

• Vaccinations and Chemoprevention:

  • HPV vaccination to prevent oropharyngeal cancers.

  • Use of agents like retinoids, NSAIDs, green tea polyphenols under trial.

• Surgical and Medical Interventions in Precancerous Lesions:

  • Biopsy and removal of suspicious lesions.

  • Monitoring and follow-up of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

METHODS OF PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES MENTIONED IN AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

DINACHARYA (DAILY REGIMEN)

• Gandusha and Kavala (Oil pulling and gargling):

  • Prevents dental caries, gingivitis, halitosis, and strengthens oral tissues.

  • Commonly used dravyas: Taila (oil), Triphala kwatha, Arimedadi taila.

  • Reference:
    "गण्डूषकवलादिभिस्तद्गदक्लेशशान्तये।
    तैलैर्वा वारिणा वापि पिच्छिलैः क्षालितं मुखम्॥"
    — Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 2/8

• Dantadhavana (Brushing of teeth):

  • Using herbal twigs (like Arka, Neem, Khadira).

  • Maintains oral hygiene and strengthens teeth and gums.

  • Reference:
    "कषायकटुकोष्णैश्च चूर्णैर्वा पिच्छिलैस्तथा।
    दन्तधावनमित्युक्तं तद्विधेयं यथाविधि॥"
    — Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 2/3

• Jihva Nirlekhan (Tongue scraping):

  • Removes toxins (Ama) and prevents halitosis.

  • Reference:
    "ततो जिह्वां समुत्सार्य शुद्धां कृत्वा विलेपनैः।
    युक्त्या तामपि निर्देव्य स्वच्छां कुर्याद्विचक्षणः॥"
    — Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 2/6

• Nasya (Nasal instillation of medicated oil):

  • Prevents diseases of head and neck, improves sensory functions.

  • Useful in disorders of mouth, gums, and throat.

  • Reference:
    "नस्यं शिरसि श्रेष्ठं॥"
    — Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 20/1

AHARA (DIETARY PRACTICES)

• Avoid excessive intake of:

  • Madhura (sweets), Guru (heavy), Abhishyandi (sticky), and Kaphakara ahara.

• Include:

  • Bitter and astringent foods for oral cleansing.

  • Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E.

VYAYAMA (EXERCISE) AND NIDRA (SLEEP)

• Balanced lifestyle, regular exercise, and proper sleep boost immunity and oral health.

AYURVEDIC HERBAL DRUGS FOR ORAL HEALTH

• Triphala: Rasayana, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.

• Haridra (Turmeric): Antiseptic and wound healing.

• Arimedadi Taila: Used for oil pulling and gargling; prevents dental and gum disorders.

• Yashtimadhu: Soothing and healing for oral ulcers.

• Bakula, Khadira, Nimba: Used in dantadhavana and gandusha for antimicrobial effect.

SUSHRUTA’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MUKHAROGA PREVENTION

• Emphasis on cleansing of mouth, nose, and tongue.

• Recognition of oral ulcers, swelling, pain, and bad breath as early signs of disease.

• Recommendation for early intervention in dental and gum disorders to prevent complications.

• Reference:
  "मुखरोगा मुखदेशे जायन्ते तु विशेषतः।
  दोषैः संयोज्यते रक्तं ततो दन्तमयं मुखम्॥"
  — Sushruta Samhita Uttara Tantra 22/1