By Asmau Ahmad
A new report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases with three out of four affected living in low and middle-income countries.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated this in a statement issued on Friday.
Ghebreyesus said that oral health had long been neglected in global health, but many oral diseases could be prevented and treated with the cost-effective measures outlined in the report.
According to him, in a first-ever comprehensive overview, the Global Oral Health Status Report analysed key areas and markers throughout 194 countries and shows that cases have increased by one billion over the last 30 years.
He said that the main reason was that many people do not have access to prevention and treatment.
“One billion with severe gum disease, the most common oral diseases stem from dental cavities.
“Gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancers are among the most prevalent oral diseases, while tooth decay is the single most common condition around the world, affecting an estimated 2.5 billion people,” Ghebreyesus said.
WHO boss said that severe gum disease, a major cause of total tooth loss, was estimated to affect one billion people worldwide and about 380,000 new cases of oral cancers were diagnosed every year.
According to him, the report highlights unequal access to oral health services, with vulnerable and disadvantaged populations most affected.
He said that people on low incomes and with disabilities; older individuals living alone or in care facilities; those in remote and rural communities; and people from minority groups carry a higher burden of oral diseases.
Ghebreyesus said that from cardiovascular diseases to diabetes and mental disorders, the pattern of inequality paralleled other noncommunicable Diseases.
He said that the risk factors common to NCDs such as high sugar intake, tobacco, and alcohol also contributed to the global oral health crisis.
“WHO is committed to providing guidance and support to countries so that all people, wherever they live and whatever their income, have the knowledge and tools needed to look after their teeth and mouths.
“And also, to access services for prevention and care when they need them,” Ghebreyesus said.
He said that only a small percentage of the global population was covered by essential oral health services, and those with the greatest need often had the least access.
“The report outlined key barriers to oral health services, including high out-of-pocket expenditures, which often led to catastrophic costs and financial burden for families and communities,” he said.
WHO boss said that highly specialised providers used expensive high-tech equipment and these services are not integrated with primary health care models.
According to him, poor information and surveillance systems, combined with low priority for oral health research, are bottlenecks to developing more effective interventions and policies.
He said that opportunities for improved global oral health included adopting a public health approach by addressing common risk factors.
