Prevalence of oral diseases around the world
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 19th February 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) suggests that oral diseases are widespread, affecting around 3.5 billion people around the world. It is estimated that, globally, 2 billion people have caries, and an additional 514 million children have caries in their primary teeth. With three quarters of those affected living in middle-income countries, and as living conditions are changing due to increased urbanisation, the prevalence of oral diseases around the world is still on the rise.[i] At a time where nearly half of the world’s population are experiencing oral disease, it is important to understand the reasons why, and what might be done to aid their prevention locally and globally, going forward.
What factors are contributing to increased disease?
There are many factors which contribute to high prevalence of oral disease around the world. Food and drinks high in sugar and alcohol are often marketed as a desirable option, and are usually low in cost, making them highly accessible to many peoplei including children. This accessibility has led to these foods and drinks being widely consumed, increasing the risk of oral health conditions such as caries if consumed frequently.
For many, limited access to oral health care services further contributes to poor oral health.i Without regular dental check-ups, patients miss out on the valuable opportunity to receive preventative care. Dental and dental hygiene appointments are often a fantastic opportunity for professionals to spot early signs of diseases including caries, gingivitis, and oral cancers. Therefore, if a patient isn’t receiving this care, their problems may go unnoticed until they have developed and are causing pain.
Another key factor contributing to oral diseases is the insufficient exposure to fluoride.i Whether contained in drinking water or in oral care products such as toothpaste, fluoride can help to prevent the development of caries.[ii] However, only around 5% of the global population receive fluoridated water.[iii] The Water Fluoridation Health Monitoring Report (2022) which reports the impact of fluoride, shows that dental caries levels are lower in areas which receive fluoridated water. Children in these areas are less likely to be admitted to hospital for the extraction of teeth due to caries than those in areas who receive lower levels of fluoride – the report shows that children living in the most deprived areas benefit from this the most.[iv]
Preventing widespread oral health problems
To help combat the high levels of oral disease around the world, messaging surrounding prevention can be useful. Promoting the benefits of a balanced dieti to your patients, including reduced sugar consumption and drinking plenty of water, may help patients to consider the effects a sugary diet may have on their teeth.
It is also recommended to discourage the use of tobacco of any kindi – whether patients smoke or use chewing tobacco, due to its link with mouth cancer, periodontal disease and even caries.[v] Recommending that patients reduce their consumption of alcohol is useful for protecting oral health too.i As even moderate alcohol consumption can effect periodontal disease, caries and erosion, as well as increasing patients risk to oral cancer and their risk of facial injuries and dental trauma.
Ensure that patients know how to carry out effective oral hygiene, to aid with prevention.i Recommend the use of products containing fluoride – vital for effectively protecting the teeth from developing cariesii – and ensure patients remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth, to reduce the risk of oral disease.
Fluoride use in oral hygiene and interdental cleaning
Fluoride is effective at protecting the teeth from developing caries, as it is able to strengthen the enamel and prevent damage from acid.[vi] For lasting protection, it is important that all surfaces of the teeth are kept clean, being sure to remove all plaque. This includes interdental cleaning, which is particularly important as this is where bacteria are likely to be missed with regular twice daily brushing. Advise that patients clean interdentally once per day, making sure to use tools appropriate for their spaces.
Getting the brush size right is important when it comes to interdental cleaning. TANDEX FLEXI interdental tools are available in a range of sizes, clearly identified by the ISO and PHD (passage hole diameter) numbers on the box. TANDEX PREVENT GEL is another perfect addition to your patient’s daily cleaning routine. When applied to the FLEXI interdental tool, it strengthens enamel and offers an antibacterial effect, because it is formulated with 0.12% chlorhexidine and 900 ppm fluoride. Plus, it’s non-abrasive and pleasant tasting. Recommend FLEXI interdental brushes alongside TANDEX PREVENT GEL to ensure an effective clean and lasting protection.
By combining lifestyle and dietary changes with an effective oral hygiene routine, patients can protect themselves from developing oral diseases, including caries and periodontitis. By advising patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene, and recommending techniques and products that protect their teeth from bacteria, you are encouraging rates of oral disease in your local community to decrease.
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Our products are also available from CTS Dental Supplies https://www.cts-dental.com/ and DHB Oral Healthcare https://dhb.co.uk/
Author Kimberley Lloyd- Rees on behalf of Tandex
Kimberley graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2010, where she now works as a clinical tutor in Dental Hygiene and Therapy as well as working in practice. She has spent her career working across a variety of specialist private and mixed dental practices, for the MOD and volunteering her time to a dental charity in Nepal.
[i] World Health Organisation. Oral Health. (Accessed 22.11.22) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
[ii] NHS. Fluoride. (Accessed 22.11.22) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fluoride/
[iii] Fluoride Alert. Countries that fluoridate their water. (Accessed: 23.11.22) https://fluoridealert.org/content/bfs-2012/
[iv] Office for Health Improvement & Disparities. Water fluoridation: Health monitoring report for England 2022. (Accessed: 24.11.22) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1060471/water-fluoridation-health-monitoring-report-2022.pdf
[v] Doddawad, Vidya G., et al. “Dental caries: Impact of tobacco product among tobacco chewers and tobacco smokers.” Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9124700/
[vi] Magalhães, Ana Carolina, et al. “Fluoride in dental erosion.” Fluoride and the oral environment 22 (2011): 158-170. https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/50253/11/Magalhaes_Fluoride_Erosion_MonogrOralSci_2011_PMID21701198_ZORA_2011_Okt_25.pdf
