By Joke Kujenya
THE GLOBAL burden of oral diseases has reached alarming levels, with nearly 3.7 billion people—almost half of the world’s population—suffering from conditions ranging from tooth decay and gum disease to life-threatening oral cancers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and better access to oral healthcare.
According to WHO, the growing burden of oral diseases is fast growing by the day, yet undocumented.
For Maria López, a 34-year-old mother from rural Nigeria, the pain began as a dull ache in her molars.
She told JKNewsMedia that without access to affordable dental care, she endured the pain for years, relying on home remedies.
By the time she sought treatment, the infection had spread, requiring multiple extractions. “I never imagined losing my teeth so young,” she says. “I thought oral health wasn’t a priority until it was too late.”
Maria’s story mirrors that of millions around the world.
Oral diseases remain among the most prevalent health conditions globally, often leading to pain, infection, and even death if left untreated.
According to the Global Burden of Disease 2021 report, untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most common health condition worldwide.
Other widespread oral health issues include periodontal (gum) disease, total tooth loss (edentulism), and oral cancers. Severe periodontal diseases affect over 1 billion people, while total tooth loss impacts an estimated 7% of adults over 20 and nearly 23% of those aged 60 or older.
Additionally, oral cancers, ranking as the 13th most common cancer worldwide, caused nearly 190,000 deaths in 2022 alone.
Speaking on this condition, Dr. Aisha Khan, a dentist working in an underserved community in India, sees firsthand how economic disparities influence oral health. ”
She said: I treat children whose diets are filled with sugary snacks because they’re cheaper than healthy food. Their parents can’t afford regular check-ups, and by the time they come to me, the damage is irreversible.”
Also, many oral diseases share risk factors with other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
Key contributors are also noted to include high sugar intake, tobacco and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and lack of fluoride exposure.
In fact, the aggressive marketing of sugary foods, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol are said to have further exacerbated the issue according to the WHO report.
A stark inequality in access to oral healthcare persists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where services remain inadequate or prohibitively expensive.
WHO reports that in many regions, oral healthcare is often excluded from Universal Health Coverage (UHC), leaving millions without essential treatment.
Key to Reducing Oral Disease
WHO emphasises that oral diseases are largely preventable.
It says that public health initiatives focusing on early intervention, lifestyle changes, and improved access to care can significantly curb their impact.
The strategies include:
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Reducing sugar consumption
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
Increasing fluoride exposure
Using protective gear during sports and road travel to prevent injuries
For 10-year-old Samuel in Gbagada, a simple habit change made all the difference.
His school introduced a programme encouraging students to brush their teeth daily, providing free fluoride toothpaste.
“Before, I don’t use to brush every day because we didn’t always have toothpaste at home,” he says. “Now, I know why it’s important, and my teeth don’t hurt anymore,” he said in a discussion with JKNewsmedia.
WHO’s Push for Policy Reform and Universal Access
Recognising the urgency of the crisis, WHO has launched the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030 (GOHAP) as part of its broader noncommunicable disease strategy.
This initiative aims to integrate oral health into national health agendas and promote preventive care at the community level.
At the first-ever WHO Global Oral Health Meeting in November 2024, the Bangkok Declaration—No Health Without Oral Health—was adopted.
This landmark agreement calls for prioritising oral diseases within public health policies, reinforcing commitments made in the 2021 WHO resolution on oral health.
Meanwhile, member states have pledged to strengthen primary healthcare systems, ensuring affordable and sustainable oral health services for all.
Adding her voice to the growing concerns about global oral health, Mrs. Laila St. Matthew-Daniel, Executive Coach, Leadership Trainer, Speaker, Author, Women’s Rights Activist, and Writer, reinforces the WHO’s advice on dental care.
She emphasized the connection between oral hygiene and heart health, stating:
Brushing your teeth at night isn’t just about keeping your breath fresh—it could actually help lower your risk of heart disease, including heart attacks.
St. Matthew-Daniel adds that research shows a clear link between oral hygiene habits and cardiovascular health:
Brushing at Night and Heart Health: A study published in Scientific Reports found that people who brushed their teeth at night had a significantly lower risk of heart-related issues compared to those who didn’t. The findings suggest that brushing before bed plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Brushing Frequency and Heart Function: Another study, highlighted by the European Society of Cardiology, found that brushing three or more times a day was linked to a 10% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and a 12% lower risk of heart failure over a 10.5-year period.”
In short, she said, taking care of your teeth—especially brushing at night—might do more than just protect your smile. It could be a simple step toward a healthier heart.
Closing the Gap in Oral Healthcare
As the global oral health crisis continues to grow, health experts stress that addressing disparities in access to care is critical. Increased investment in preventive measures, education, and policy reforms could help millions avoid the devastating effects of oral diseases.
The WHO emphatically states: “Oral health is fundamental to overall well-being. Governments, healthcare providers, and individuals must work together to ensure that essential oral health services become a reality for all, not just a privilege for the few.”
Key Data and Facts on Global Oral Health Crisis
Oral health is a crucial part of human’s overall well-being, yet billions worldwide suffer from preventable oral diseases due to lack of access to care, poor health policies, and socioeconomic factors.
Breakdown of the WHO statistics and insights on the crisis, show:
3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases globally
Untreated dental caries (cavities) in permanent teeth is the most common health condition worldwide.
Severe gum disease (periodontitis) affects around 1 billion people leading to tooth loss and systemic health issues.
Oral cancers are among the top 15 most common cancers worldwide, with high mortality rates due to late diagnosis.
Low-and-middle-income countries bear the highest burden of oral diseases due to limited access to care and preventive measures.
In some regions of Africa, there is 1 dentist for every 150,000 people, compared to 1 dentist per 1,500 people in high-income countries.
Children in poor communities are five times more likely to have untreated dental caries compared to wealthier children.
Indigenous populations and marginalized groups often experience worse oral health due to structural inequalities.
Economic Impact:
Oral diseases contribute to economic losses of over $500 billion annually due to treatment costs and lost productivity.
In many countries, dental care is not included in universal health coverage, making it inaccessible for millions.
Out-of-pocket expenses for oral health contribute to catastrophic health expenditures, especially in low-income families.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Poor diet (high in sugar), tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and lack of fluoride exposure are major risk factors for oral diseases.
80% of oral diseases are preventable through proper oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and fluoride use.
School-based oral health programs and community interventions can significantly reduce cavities and gum disease.
