“Oral health has long been neglected in global health, but many oral diseases can be prevented and treated with the cost-effective measures outlined in this report.” speak WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
In a first comprehensive review, Global state of oral health reportanalyzed key sectors and markers across 194 countries and showed that cases have increased by a billion over the past 30 years.
WHO says the main reason is Many people do not have access to prevention and treatment measures.
One billion people have severe gum disease
The most common oral diseases stem from tooth decay. Gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer are among the most common oral diseases, while tooth decay is the most common worldwide, affecting around 2.5 billion people.
Severe gum disease, the main cause of total tooth loss, is estimated to affect one billion people worldwide and about 380,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year.
Clear inequality
The report highlights unequal access to oral health care services, with vulnerable and disadvantaged populations being the most affected.
People with low income and people with disabilities; older people living alone or in care facilities; people in remote and rural communities; and people from ethnic minority groups have a higher risk of oral diseases, according to the WHO.
From cardiovascular disease to diabetes and mental disorders,parallel patterns of inequality with other noncommunicable diseases (BKLN).
And common risk factors for NCDs such as high sugar intake, tobacco and alcohol also contribute to the global oral health crisis.
“WHO is committed to providing guidance and support to countries so that everyone, no matter where they live and whatever their income, has the knowledge and tools needed to care for them. oral health and access to preventive services and care when they need it. ,’ Tedros reassured.
Service barrier
Only a small percentage of the global population is covered by essential oral health care services, and those with the highest needs often have the least access.
The report outlines key barriers to oral health services, including high out-of-pocket costs, which often lead to catastrophic costs and financial burdens for families and communities.
In addition, highly specialized providers use expensive high-tech equipment and these services are not integrated with primary healthcare models.
Furthermore, poor monitoring and information systems, combined with low priority for oral health research, are obstacles to the development of more effective policies and interventions.
Trajectory change
However, opportunities to improve global oral health include adopting a public health approach by addressing common risk factors.
These involve promoting a balanced diet low in sugar, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, and improving access to fluoride toothpaste.
Other solutions outlined in the report support making oral health part of national health services; redefine the oral health workforce to meet population needs; expanding the range of oral health care services; and collect and integrate oral health data into the national health monitoring system.
A boy whose home was destroyed by floods brushes his teeth outside a makeshift shelter in Lima, Peru.
Achieve vision
Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director of Non-Communicable Diseases, said putting people at the center of oral health care services is crucial “to achieve a vision of universal health coverage for the whole population. individuals and communities by 2030”.
By providing baseline information to help countries track progress along with timely and relevant feedback to national decision-makers, she describes the report as a “starting point.”
“Together, we can change today’s dental health neglect.”
Achieve vision
Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Non-Communicable Diseases, said putting people at the center of oral health care services is crucial “to achieve a vision of universal health coverage for the whole population. individuals and communities by 2030”.
By providing baseline information to help countries track progress along with timely and relevant feedback to national decision-makers, she describes the report as a “starting point.”
“Together, we can change today’s dental health neglect.”
