Dental myths debunked as Dr. Shikoh Naz highlights importance of oral health on FM 100

KARACHI: Oral health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of healthcare despite its close connection to overall physical wellbeing. To address growing misconceptions and improve public awareness, FM 100 recently hosted a special Health Care Awareness Session featuring Dr. Shikoh Naz, Associate Professor, Hamdard Dental College who discussed the importance of oral health and clarified several common myths surrounding dental treatment. The awareness session formed part of FM 100’s ongoing public health education initiative aimed at improving health literacy and encouraging evidence-based healthcare decisions among the general public. During the discussion, Dr. Shikoh Naz emphasized that maintaining good oral health is not limited to having healthy teeth and gums. She explained that oral health is closely linked to overall health and can influence various aspects of physical wellbeing. According to Dr. Shikoh Naz, many oral diseases are preventable through simple measures such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, regular dental checkups, timely treatment, and increased public awareness about oral hygiene practices. Oral health and overall wellbeing One of the key themes of the session was the relationship between oral health and systemic health. Dental experts increasingly recognize that poor oral hygiene can contribute to broader health complications, making preventive dental care an important component of overall healthcare. Dr. Shikoh Naz highlighted the importance of adopting healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age and maintaining regular dental visits to identify problems before they become serious. She noted that preventive dentistry remains one of the most effective approaches to reducing the burden of dental diseases and improving long-term oral health outcomes. Addressing common dental myths A significant portion of the discussion focused on correcting misconceptions that often discourage people from seeking professional dental care. Dr. Shikoh Naz provided evidence-based explanations regarding several commonly misunderstood dental procedures, including scaling, tooth extractions, root canal treatment, orthodontic care, and wisdom tooth management. She addressed myths surrounding dental scaling, a procedure that many patients mistakenly believe weakens teeth. Dental professionals, however, emphasize that scaling helps remove plaque and tartar deposits that contribute to gum disease and tooth loss when left untreated. The session also explored misconceptions about root canal treatment, a procedure often associated with unnecessary fear and anxiety despite being designed to preserve natural teeth and relieve pain caused by infection. Focus on dental care during pregnancy and childhood The awareness program further highlighted the importance of dental care during pregnancy and the need for maintaining oral health throughout all stages of life. Dr. Shikoh Naz discussed how hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect oral health and stressed the importance of professional dental guidance for expectant mothers. The session also emphasized preventive oral healthcare for children, including the development of healthy brushing habits, regular dental examinations, and early intervention when dental problems arise. Promoting informed healthcare decisions Health experts believe that misinformation remains one of the major barriers preventing individuals from accessing timely dental treatment. Myths surrounding common procedures often lead patients to delay care until conditions become more severe and difficult to manage. By providing scientifically accurate information in a format accessible to the public, the FM 100 awareness session aimed to empower listeners to make informed decisions regarding their oral health. Strengthening community health awareness Public health awareness initiatives play an important role in promoting preventive healthcare and reducing the long-term burden of disease. Through educational discussions led by qualified healthcare professionals, communities can gain practical knowledge that supports healthier lifestyles and improved health outcomes. The FM 100 Health Care Awareness Session with Dr. Shikoh Naz served as an important platform for improving public understanding of oral health, dispelling widespread myths, and reinforcing the message that preventive dental care remains essential for maintaining both oral and overall wellbeing. As oral diseases continue to affect millions of people worldwide, healthcare experts emphasize that greater awareness, regular dental visits, and evidence-based information are key to achieving healthier communities and better quality of life. Stay informed, stay alert pk/17-Jun-2026/dr-shikoh-naz-fm100-oral-health-awareness-dental-myths” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News