12 per cent of elders toothless in Sri Lanka: Minister

•  says the importance of dental health should be taught at school level

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said 12 per cent of the  elderly population in Sri Lanka have lost all their teeth, and therefore  the importance of dental health should be taught at school level.  

Addressing a function to mark World Oral Health Day,  the minister said it is important to maintain oral dental health right  throughout life. He said a lot of people suffer from oral cancer in the  country today.   
He stressed the importance of following proper health habits to prevent such diseases.