By Dr Than Lwin Tun
Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enable individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking. It encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Oral health varies over the course of life from early life to old age, is integral to general health, and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential.
Oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, and congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate. Oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. While the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the overall burden of oral health conditions on services is likely to keep increasing because of population growth and ageing.
Oral diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. People of low socioeconomic status carry a higher burden of oral diseases, and this association remains across the life course, from early childhood to older age, regardless of the country’s overall income level.
Oral diseases affect about 3.5 billion people around the world. They also affect overall well-being and quality of life, especially where resources for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are limited. Approaches based on new digital health technologies can contribute to better oral health for all. In the context of the Be He@lthy Be Mobile initiative, the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union have developed “Mobile Technologies for Oral Health: An Implementation Guide”. This new resource provides guidance on promoting oral health, training health workers, detecting oral health conditions, collecting epidemiological data, and monitoring the quality of patient care, all through mobile technologies. It will help countries develop and implement oral health programmes to complement existing oral health programs. The handbook is intended to assist policy- and decision-makers and implementers in establishing a national or large-scale oral health program.
A new document, Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030, has been released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and contains the complete set of policies that define WHO’s global oral health agenda towards 2030. Together, these policy documents lay out the path to tackle the challenges faced by communities worldwide and make the case for strengthening the integration of oral health into non-communicable diseases and universal health coverage benefit packages.
The Action Plan is a practical tool to support Member States in the adaptation and implementation of global oral health policies in national contexts. It outlines a set of priority actions for Member States, the WHO Secretariat, international partners, civil society organizations and the private sector in moving towards our shared commitment to equitable access to oral health for all.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted in the document’s foreword that “Member States have demonstrated their commitment to improving oral health in recent years by adopting the landmark Resolution on oral health in 2021 and the Global strategy on oral health in 2022. That was followed in 2023 by the development of the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030, which translates the vision, goal, and strategic objectives of the global strategy into a series of 100 actions for more substantial and coordinated action on oral health. The action plan also includes a set of 11 global targets to track progress on oral health for all individuals and communities by 2030.
Oral healthcare is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and quality of life. The following are some key reasons why it’s important: –
Prevents Dental Issues: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help prevent common problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. Early detection of issues can prevent more severe conditions.
Promotes Overall Health: Good oral hygiene is linked to overall health. Poor oral health can contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Maintaining a healthy mouth supports the body’s overall function.
Maintains Fresh Breath: Regular oral care helps prevent bad breath, which can be a source of self-consciousness and affect social interactions.
Preserves Tooth Function and Aesthetics: Healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper chewing and speaking. Additionally, maintaining your teeth helps preserve your smile, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Saves Money: Investing in regular oral healthcare can prevent costly procedures down the line. Preventive care is generally less expensive than treatments for advanced dental issues.
Enhances Quality of Life: Dental pain or problems can affect eating, speaking, and overall comfort. Keeping your mouth healthy helps ensure these daily activities remain enjoyable and pain-free.
Supports Nutritional Intake: Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for chewing food properly, which supports good nutrition and digestion.
In addition, integrating good oral hygiene practices into your daily routine, such as brushing twice a day, dental flossing, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, and visiting your dentist regularly, can have significant benefits for both your oral health and overall well-being.
References
– https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health
– https://www.who.int/news/item/26-05-2024-who-releases-global-strategy-and-action-plan-on-oral-health
– https://www.who.int/publications/i/item
