Toothless in Pune

Among the many support groups in India, there is now one for toothless people. There are an estimated 62 million of them in the country Among the many support groups in India, there is now one for toothless people. The Edentulous Support Group (ESG), started by a Pune-based dentist Dr Vijay Tamhane, will counsel those who have lost their teeth on dealing with the condition. Says Dr Vijay Tamhane, founder director of the ESG: “There are an estimated 62 million without teeth in India but just 30-40 per cent of them wear dentures. The others still eat and chew with their gums.” The support group has a helpline (020-30785050) and a website (essindia.org) where one can register. ESG also holds workshops and seminars besides distributing free dentures to needy senior citizens. It is currently operational only in Maharashtra but plans to expand across the country. “In the last 45 years, dental implants have become the norm in western societies. But here, education about it is nil. Our main purpose is to disseminate information about edentulism,” says Tamhane.