As Oral Illnesses Continue to be a Major Burden in India, Dental Care is Still not a Priority

1. Introduction

Oral diseases have become a significant burden in India, yet dental care continues to be overlooked. Unlike comprehensive medical health insurance, dental treatments are often considered cosmetic and are not covered. This puts immense pressure on Indian patients, especially those in rural areas. A recent global health survey revealed that only 45% of Indians brush their teeth twice daily, in contrast to the 78-83% reported in China, Colombia, Italy, and Japan.

Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, despite being largely preventable. They pose a major health burden, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death. According to the Global Burden of Diseases, untreated dental caries (tooth decay) in permanent teeth is the most common health condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a global review of oral health, highlighting persistent problems despite improvements in several countries.

2.Lack of Awareness about Oral Hygiene

One of the key issues in oral healthcare is the lack of education and awareness about oral hygiene. Bhawna Sikka, Category Head-Oral Healthcare, points out that although most consumers have a basic understanding of oral healthcare, many fail to follow it diligently. People often only visit dentists when their problems have become unmanageable. However, neglecting routine dental checkups can lead to greater risks and negatively impact overall health. To address this, the Government of India and expert bodies have been initiating various awareness campaigns to improve oral health.

India faces a significant challenge in terms of dental professionals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is only one dentist for approximately 10,000 Indian patients. This shortage contributes to the lack of awareness among Indians regarding oral hygiene.

3.Dental Health Issues Prevalent in India

Several dental health issues are prevalent in India, including dental caries (tooth decay), gum diseases, tooth sensitivity, halitosis (bad breath), yellowing of teeth, and stained teeth. Swati Agarwal, Director of Research & Development at Colgate, highlights that oral diseases are more prevalent than chronic systemic diseases. Globally, almost 2.3 billion people suffer from cavities in permanent teeth, and periodontal disease affects 20-50% of the population.

The WHO reports that over 95% of adults in India have dental caries, and over 50% have periodontal disease. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness among the general population about the importance of oral health, regular dental checkups, and their impact on overall health.

4.Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Oral Health

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted oral health in India. Due to lockdown measures and restricted access to dental clinics, routine checkups and treatments were delayed or canceled, leading to a rise in untreated dental issues. The prolonged use of masks and decreased social interactions have also contributed to dry mouth and bad breath. Overall, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining oral health even in challenging circumstances.

5.The Relationship between Oral and Systemic Health

Research indicates a strong connection between oral and systemic health. Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to build up, leading to oral infections, tooth decay, and gum diseases. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and have a detrimental impact on overall health. Oral health issues are associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, individuals with periodontitis and gum disease have a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall well-being.

6.Challenges in Access to Dental Care

Dental procedures are often considered cosmetic treatments in India, resulting in limited coverage by comprehensive medical health insurance. This creates financial pressure on patients, particularly those in rural areas. Affordability remains a significant barrier that prevents many individuals from seeking proper dental care. The lack of proper infrastructure, insurance, and availability of dental professionals exacerbates the problem. Addressing these challenges requires inclusive oral health policies, which integrate oral health with mainstream healthcare, rationalize costs, and improve accessibility.

7.Need for Inclusive Oral Health Policies

The mindset towards oral health needs to shift from curative to preventive and proactive. Creating awareness, reducing treatment costs, and implementing central policies are essential for making oral health more inclusive. Dr. Neeraj Verma, Senior Consultant Orthodontist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education about oral care. Limited accessibility to dental services, especially in rural areas, further hampers timely treatment. It is crucial to address these challenges through comprehensive approaches, including awareness campaigns, improved infrastructure, and affordable dental services.

8.Do's and Don'ts for Improving Oral Health

To improve oral health, it is important to follow a 2-1-0 regime:

• 1. Brush your teeth twice a day to keep them clean and healthy, preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• 2. Reduce the intake of aerated drinks, as they can adversely affect oral health.
• 3. Undergo proactive dental checkups at least twice a year.

Maintaining good oral health also involves consuming a healthy diet, practicing proper oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental checkups. These measures ensure strong and healthy teeth, contributing to overall well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion

India continues to face significant challenges in addressing oral health issues. Poor oral hygiene, limited access to dental services, and a lack of awareness hinder progress in providing adequate dental care to the population. Initiatives focusing on education, preventive care, and improved dental infrastructure are necessary to improve the oral health status across the country. The coronavirus pandemic has further emphasized the importance of maintaining oral health amidst challenging circumstances. By integrating oral health with mainstream healthcare, addressing affordability issues, and creating inclusive policies, India can take significant strides towards improving oral healthcare for its population.

FAQs

1. Are dental treatments covered by comprehensive medical health insurance in India?

Dental treatments are usually not covered by comprehensive medical health insurance as they are often considered cosmetic treatments. This creates financial pressure, particularly for patients in rural areas.

2. What are some prevalent dental health issues in India?

Some prevalent dental health issues in India include dental caries (tooth decay), gum diseases, tooth sensitivity, halitosis (bad breath), yellowing of teeth, and stained teeth.

3. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected oral health in India?

The pandemic has led to delayed or canceled routine dental checkups and treatments due to lockdown measures and restricted access to dental clinics. The prolonged use of masks and decreased social interactions have also contributed to dry mouth and bad breath.

4. What is the relationship between oral and systemic health?

Research indicates that poor oral health can have an impact on overall health. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.

5. What can individuals do to improve their oral health?

Individuals can improve their oral health by following a 2-1-0 regime, which involves brushing teeth twice a day, reducing the intake of aerated drinks, and undergoing proactive dental checkups at least twice a year. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental checkups are essential.

References:

(https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/wellness/as-oral-illnesses-continue-to-be-major-burden-in-india-dental-care-is-still-not-a-priority/3105638/_)