We have come to the fag end of an exhaustive 2020 but as oral health care professionals, we still have 4 days to look forward to in December!
World AIDS Day - 1st December
Every year, on the first day of December, the world observes World AIDS Day. People across the globe unite to show some kind of support for people living with HIV and those who have died from AIDS.
World AIDS Day was the first observed as an international day for global health in 1988. Then every year onwards, various agencies/ societies of the United Nations , and global governments came together to campaign around themes related to HIV.
Various activities to be conducted during this month are as follows:
- Awareness and educating activities take place across the world.
- Individuals wear a red ribbon which is the universal symbol of awareness/support for HIV people.
- Specific societies or agencies serve and raise funds for people living with HIV.
Oral Health and AIDS
American Dental Association recommends proper dental care plan for HIV positive people. AIDS infected people are more susceptible to dental infections, which in turn affects their overall health.
People with HIV may experience these dental issues:
- Thrush
- Oral hairy leukoplakia
- Dry mouth
- Gingivitis or periodontitis
- Kaposi’s Sarcoma
- Herpes simplex viral infection
- Oral ulcers
Top methods to prevent these dental issues are as follows:
- Regular dental appointments.
- Brush/floss your teeth twice a day.
- Take your HIV medicine on schedule. If any of your medicine causes dry mouth please consult your dentist immediately.
International Day Of People With Disabilities - 3rd December
International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated on 3rd December all across the globe. Its main objective is to increase community awareness and recognition of people with disabilities, and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
Every year United Nation announces a new theme for International Day of People with Disability. This theme gives a principal focus on how society can hustle for inclusivity , through the removal of physical or technological barriers for people with disability. International Day of Disabled Persons was first celebrated in 1992.
Few key points to remember specially this year post Covid-19:
- Disability is a part of the human race.
- WHO distinguishes that a world where all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being is only possible if health systems are inclusive of disabled people.
- People with disability have been amongst the most vulnerable populations during the current COVID-19 outbreak due to many health, social or environmental blockades and inaccessible set-up.
- The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to build better health systems so that they are more inclusive and receptive to the needs of disabled people.
Dental concern for disabled people
- A low-sugar diet is important because they are more receptive to dental decay due to problems with brushing.
- Small or medium sized toothbrush with soft bristles is usually recommended.
- There are special handgrips and other versions which can be fitted to manual toothbrushes to make them easier to hold.
- Electric/ Power toothbrushes are recommended for people with mobility problems.
- It is also helpful if the dental team know about any anxiety which patient has. This information can be given by the patient's care taker or by patient itself.
- Dentist should know about the patient's medical history as well as the name of the specialized doctor for any medical background of the patient like any allergies/medical condition or recent operation.
National Hand Hygiene Awareness Week (6th - 12th December)
Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. Though we are taught as children to wash our hands before every meal, it’s important to remember that germs don’t care what time of day it is.
National Handwashing Awareness Week Timeline
Hand hygiene is a broad-spectrum term that applies to:
- Routine hand washing with water and plain soap and water
- Washing with water and an antimicrobial soap
- Cleaning hands with an antiseptic alcohol-based hand rub
- Surgical antisepsis
Efficacy of Hand Hygiene Preparations in Reducing Bacteria:
Various activities done during this awareness week are as follows:
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