Nearly 67% of the people in India have never been to the dentist, and 87% don't believe in going except in an emergency, according to a survey reported in the Economic Times.
Half of the respondents to the national Consumer Usage and Attitudes Survey said that dental problems resulted from improper oral hygiene or diet. Only 3% said they visited dentists at least annually. By contrast, an average of 57% around the world visit the dentist that often, the Times reported.
Half of the 11,324 people surveyed preferred treatments from chemists or general practitioners, or self-treatments using home remedies and brushing.
Even of the 70% who suffer from cavities/tooth decay, only 58% visit the dentist, the survey found.
The survey was conducted by Indian Market Research Bureau and sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive (India).
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