Oral Health Burden in India
Oral problems are emerging as one of the main public health concerns in India. Oral
problems are not only causing pain, agony, functional, and aesthetic problems but
also leads to the loss of working man-hours. Hence, in the long run, they are bound
to have a significant impact on our economy.
The World Dental Federation estimates that 83% of children aged 6-19 years have
dental caries;more than90% of the adult population is affected by periodontal disease.
According to a survey, the prevalence of dental caries in children aged 5 years
was 50%; 52.5% in 12 year olds; 61.4% in 15 year olds; 79.2% in 35-44 year olds;
and 84.7% in 65- 74 year olds.
Consumption of tobacco products (smoking, and smokeless form) has also increased
in the recent years. Hence, oral precancers and cancers are emerging as a major
threat to younger people and are increasing to alarming proportion in India. Oral
cancer is a life threatening condition and the available treatment modalities are
expensive and are way beyond the reach of the common person.
They can be prevented and controlled by public education, motivation and treatment
to a significant level at Community Dental Centers.