GENEVA: The WHO has expressed concern over an alarming rise in oral diseases with 3.5 billion people suffering from such ailments globally, urging preventative measures.
According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), global cases of oral disease have increased by 1 billion over the last 30 years. The WHO found that oral diseases can raise the risk of other health conditions and are linked to diabetes, pregnancy complications, and even some cancers.
Almost 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases. These include cavities, the most prevalent disease in the world, affecting approximately 2.3 billion people. Periodontal disease, driven by infection and inflammation of the gums, affects between 20-50 percent of the global population. As a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, periodontal disease can compromise chewing ability, aesthetics, self-confidence, and impact the quality of life.
In addition to the impact on the mouth, oral diseases can have far-reaching consequences on a person's overall health. Studies have suggested that there may be a link between poor oral health and several systemic diseases, such as heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes. This is believed to be due to the chronic inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria that can spread to other parts of the body.
Moreover, researches have also demonstrated the connection between oral health and mental well being. Oral diseases, such as cavities and gum disease, can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, which can lead to anxiety, social isolation, and a diminished quality of life.
Oral health issues are felt acutely by children, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and marginalised communities. Poor oral health is especially harmful for children, as more than 514 million children currently suffer from cavities in primary teeth. Tooth pain and trips to the dentist to treat cavities can cause children to miss up to three days of school per year. Oral health can have a significant impact on a child's ability to concentrate in school, reach developmental milestones, and engage in social activities with friends. Oral pain can hinder a child's education and social development, causing discomfort and distracting them from their studies and playtime.
Adopting key habits like brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes, including the tongue, flossing daily and using mouthwash as needed, are important. Night-time brushing is especially essential to protect teeth when saliva levels are naturally at their lowest since saliva serves as a natural defense against tooth decay. While sleeping, bacteria can produce acids that attack tooth enamel, thus increasing the risk of cavities. Regular dental check-ups, even for those with good oral health habits, are necessary to identify potential issues early on.
Additionally, consuming a healthy diet low in sugars, and avoiding smoking can prevent dental caries and gum disease. Cavities are formed when bacteria present in the mouth break down sugars to produce acids that lead to the demineralisation or destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth. The risk of developing gum disease increases progressively with the duration of smoking and the amount of smoking. Smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease, and with good oral hygiene and smoking cessation, people can reduce that risk.
