There’s no denying that dental caries, or tooth decay, is a global health issue that affects millions of people worldwide.

Despite advancements in modern dentistry, this oral disease remains a significant concern, particularly in developing countries with limited access to oral care services. An estimated 2.4 billion people worldwide suffer from caries, with untreated tooth decay being the most prevalent oral health issue affecting 532 million children alone.

What is Caries?

Caries, also called tooth decay, is a bacterial infection that causes the breakdown of hard tissues in teeth. It’s caused by bacteria, which live on the surface of your teeth and feed on carbohydrates found in the food you eat.

When acid is produced by bacteria in the presence of sugar or starch, it dissolves the protective enamel layer that covers the teeth leading to tooth decay. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the deeper layers of the tooth leading to sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss.

The Global Burden of Caries

Caries affects people of all age groups, races, and genders regardless of their socioeconomic status. However, dental caries is more prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries.

According to recent research, untreated tooth decay is the most common health condition affecting children worldwide. In 2017, it was reported that 2.4 billion people globally had untreated tooth decay. With the growing population, the number of people affected by this disease is expected to increase in the coming years.

Why Does Half the World Need to Take Notice?

There are a few reasons why half the world needs to take notice when it comes to caries. Let’s take a look at some of them:.

Impact on Overall Health

Oral health is strongly linked to our overall health. Poor oral health can lead to several health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

Studies have shown a link between caries and poor overall health outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Untreated caries can cause significant pain and discomfort, leading to difficulty in speaking, eating, and sleeping. It can also lead to anxiety, poor school attendance, and lost productivity in adults.

Disparities in Access to Oral Care

Access to oral care is a significant factor in the prevalence of dental caries. People living in rural areas or developing countries often lack access to affordable oral health care services like dental check-ups, cleanings, and fillings.

This puts them at a higher risk of developing oral health problems, including caries. According to the World Health Organization, the oral disease burden is particularly high in developing countries, where oral care services are often scarce, unreliable, or unaffordable for many people.

The Economic Costs of Caries

Caries has significant economic costs worldwide. According to studies, dental caries costs over US$ 350 billion per year globally.

This cost includes direct treatment costs, indirect costs related to lost productivity, and costs associated with the impact on quality of life. The burden of caries disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized populations who can least afford to pay for treatment.

When left untreated, caries can lead to more severe and costly dental treatments, such as root canals and crowns, or even tooth extraction.

Prevention and Early Intervention

The good news is that caries is a preventable disease. Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups, can prevent caries from developing in the first place.

Early detection and intervention can also help slow down the decay process and save teeth from extraction. This is particularly crucial for at-risk populations who lack access to dental care services.