FDI report “paints a bleak picture for oral health around the globe”

A report released today by the World Dental Federation (FDI) has highlighted the high impact of oral health on absenteeism at school and work around the world.

The report, presented in London to coincide with World Oral Health Day, shows nearly 100 per cent of adults, and between 60-90 per cent of children have dental caries – which results in missed days in school and work.

The FDI said, in the report: “In the US, oral diseases resulted in the loss of 2.4 million days of work and 1.6 million days of school. In Thailand, dental problems caused 1,900 hours of school lost per 1,000 children. In the Philippines, toothache is the most important reason for school absenteeism, as about 97 per cent of 6-year-old children have dental caries. Thus oral diseases are major causes of economic and social loss for individuals and countries.

“The good news is that the majority of common chronic diseases are largely preventable through simple and cost-effective measures.”

The FDI said their report “paints a bleak picture for oral health around the globe”, highlighting that:

• Oral cancer is the world’s 8th most common cancer, and the 3rd most common cancer in Southeast Asia; 
• 50 per cent of gum disease is caused by tobacco use; 
• 30 per cent of people worldwide aged 65-74 years have lost all their natural teeth; and 
• 25 per cent of all genetic birth defects are craniofacial malformations.

“As shown in the different findings, oral care is vital for the physical and psychological wellbeing of an individual, yet it is often ignored or overlooked,” the report said.

The FDI recommended five steps for optimal oral health:

1. Improve exposure to fluoride: brush teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and use other sources of fluoride (ie. from fluoridated salt or water) 
2. Enjoy healthy food and drink, especially reducing sugar consumption, and reducing or stopping tobacco and alcohol use. 
3. Chew sugar-free gum after meals and snacks as a supplement to a normal oral health care routine. 
4. Protect teeth by wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports and a helmet during exposed transportation and for contact and accident-prone sports. 
5. Ensure regular dental check-ups. Be vigilant if you have pain, sores, patches or unusual bleeding in your mouth that lasts for two weeks or more – get advice from a dentist.

Download the report from the World Dental Federation’s website.