Almost half of the world's population suffers from oral diseases, and 75% of them suffer from oral diseases. of those affected live in low- and middle-income countries. The number of cases of oral disease worldwide has increased by one billion in the last 30 years. These are the conclusions of the latest Global Oral Health Report, published last week by the World Health Organization.
Every second person in the world neglects oral health
Published Nov. 22, 2022 09:02
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The report is the first ever attempt to create a comprehensive picture of the burden of oral disease with data profiles for 194 countries.
The most common oral diseases are tooth decay, severe gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. Untreated tooth decay affects around 2.5 billion people. Severe gum disease, the leading cause of total tooth loss, is estimated to affect one billion people worldwide. About 380,000 people are also diagnosed each year. new cases of oral cancer.
The authors of the report highlighted the glaring inequalities in access to oral health services. People on low incomes, people with disabilities, older people living alone or in care homes, people living in remote and rural communities, and people from minority groups are most at risk.
– Many oral diseases can be prevented and treated with the cost-effective measures outlined in this report. WHO is committed to providing guidance and support to countries so that all people, regardless of where they live or their income, have the knowledge and tools they need to care for their teeth and mouth, and access preventive and care services when they need them, said the Director General WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
WHO guidelines include promoting a well-balanced, low-sugar diet, excluding tobacco use, and reducing alcohol consumption. The organization also calls for improved access to effective and affordable fluoride toothpaste. According to the authors of the report, it is also necessary to plan oral health services as part of national health.
– The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day after breakfast and before going to bed with a fluoride toothpaste. Please note that the use of fluoride-free toothpaste is not effective against
caries. Second, to prevent tooth decay and maintain overall health, you should limit your sugar intake in foods and drinks. Water is the best drink any time of the day. Another tip is to protect your teeth and face from injury. Wear protective gear when playing sports, wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle and wear a seatbelt when traveling by car, says Dr. Benoit Varenne, an oral health program expert at the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Disease Prevention, who was a guest on the Science in 5 podcast.
Edited by based on: WHO
