Wei Jie

claudiamente@hotmail.com

THREE foreign dental professionals gathered in Shekou on Sunday night to share essential oral care knowledge with expat residents, who often face challenges in maintaining oral health due to unfamiliarity with the local health-care system and language barriers.

The event, organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), featured Dr. Milson Toscano and Dr. Mariana Gatto, from Brazil, and Dr. Jovanka Vesovic, from Serbia. It was part of the “Hot Topic in Shekou” series, which is designed to provide practical information on issues that matter to the expat community.

Toscano explained the significant role the oral bacterial ecosystem plays in overall health. He noted that harmful bacteria and toxins can enter the bloodstream via the gums, potentially contributing to conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney problems.

Versovic offered practical advice on maintaining good oral hygiene. She recommended using age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, scheduling regular dental check-ups, and reducing sugar intake. She also emphasized the importance of fluoride treatment and sealing molar fissures in children to prevent cavities.

To engage the audience, the doctors hosted a quiz game with small prizes, encouraging participation and reinforcing key messages from the seminar.

Following the talks, the doctors conducted on-site health screenings. Toscano checked blood pressure, Vesovic performed oral exams, and Gatto conducted blood sugar and uric acid tests. They highlighted the links between oral health and overall well-being.

Participants like Quantize Butler, from the U.S., praised the Shekou MSCE for addressing key issues relevant to expats.

According to WHO’s latest Global Oral Health Status Report, approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases. This makes oral diseases one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally.