Frequent snacking and consumption of carbonated drinks is not leading to obesity alone. A survey conducted by Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), which is running mobile dental clinics in northeast district under the National Health Mission since May, has revealed significantly high percentage of oral health problems in people.

While tooth decay and gum problems are most common, affecting nearly 54% and 62% of the population screened, dentists said they also detected oral precancerous lesions and cancer in some people.

"Tooth decay is most common in the age group of 15-35 years. We found most such patients indulged in frequent snacking. Consumption of carbonated drinks was also common," said Dr Vikrant Mohanty, medical officer in-charge of mobile dental clinics. MAIDS runs six mobile clinics offering treatment such as extraction, filling and cleaning and creating awareness about oral health. Mohanty said every time one eats, acid is produced by the bacteria on the surface of the tooth. "Frequent snacking, particularly fast food items, that have sugar content, leads to loss of minerals from the tooth due to higher acid production."