A new report published by the World Health Organisation 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, said this in a
statement 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.