Turkish people are much more aware of the importance of mouth and dental health compared to previous years; however, Turkey is still behind Europe regarding the usage rate of toothbrushes and toothpaste, according to Professor Celal Artunç, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry at Ege University.In his remarks to Anadolu Agency, Professor Artunç stressed that periodontal diseases are preventable public health problems.According to recent studies, awareness regarding the importance of mouth and dental health has risen among Turkish people but it is still not at the desirable level. Artunç stated that they are carrying out programs in elementary schools in order to get small children to adopt a habit of using a toothbrush and toothpaste.The frequency of tooth decay in children at the age of five is 70 percent while it is 60 percent in young people between ages 12 and 15. Tooth decay frequency in people between ages 35 and 44 is 75 percent. Artunç pointed out the inadequacy of toothbrush and toothpaste usage in Turkey, saying, "The toothpaste usage rate in Turkey is approximately 120 grams per year, in other words a tube, while this rate is 500 grams in Germany and 400 grams in Italy." The toothpaste usage rate was 85 grams in Turkey in 2005. "Although we have made progress, we are still behind developed countries," the professor claimed.In order to maintain mouth and dental health, toothbrushes need to be changed every six months. In 2005 the toothbrush usage rate was 0.48 while in 2014 it was 1.