Oral Health in India: Poor Hygiene and Limited Access to Dental Services
Key Highlights :
Oral health is a major concern in India, with poor hygiene and limited access to dental services leading to a rise in dental issues such as cavities, gum diseases, and tooth loss. A recent global health survey revealed that only 45 per cent of Indians brush their teeth twice daily, as compared to the 78-83 per cent that China, Colombia, Italy, and Japan have reported. Studies suggest that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases cause pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death.
The Government of India and expert bodies have been taking up various initiatives to spread awareness on improving oral health. However, the lack of education and awareness on what oral hygiene is, what are the signs one should look out for, and why consistent oral hygiene is important, is a major challenge. Additionally, the WHO reported that there only exists 1 dentist for about 10,000 Indian patients.
Some of the most common dental health issues prevalent in India include Dental caries (tooth decay), Periodontal (gum) diseases such as gum recession, bleeding of gums, inflammation, redness etc, tooth Sensitivity, Halitosis (bad breath), Yellowing of Teeth, and stained teeth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 95% of adults in India have dental caries, and over 50% of adults have periodontal disease.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on oral health in India. Due to lockdown measures and restricted access to dental clinics, routine dental check-ups and treatments were delayed or canceled, leading to a rise in untreated dental issues. Furthermore, the prolonged use of masks and decreased social interactions contributed to an increase in dry mouth and bad breath.
Poor oral hygiene has an impact on overall health and vice versa. Poor Oral hygiene would lead to plaque build-up which is nothing but a sticky film of bacteria that constantly form on teeth. These bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and can have an impact on overall health. Poor oral hygiene is known to be associated with a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications.
Moreover, different research shows that people with periodontitis, and gum disease have a greater risk of experiencing cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The consumption of tobacco and betel nut products also contributes to oral health problems, including oral cancer. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving awareness campaigns, improved infrastructure, and affordable dental services.
Unfortunately, dental treatments are usually not covered as part of comprehensive medical health insurance as it is often considered a cosmetic treatment and hence it puts pressure on Indian patients especially people in rural areas. This is why it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups to prevent any dental issues from worsening.
