Poor oral health is a vital public health condition observed in India, with its implications extending beyond those confined to its oral cavity to affect overall systemic health. According to ScanO India Dental Report 2024, Indians are battling with an average number of six dental diseases, caries being present for 48% of the population, dental stain being present for 64%, and attrition being present for 46%. According to an Indian Dental Association and FDI World Dental Federation 2025 report prepared based upon a study conducted with 1,049 adults, it was observed that periodontal disease was present for over 80% of participants with gingivitis being predominant and highest number of untreated caries present above 40% for deciduous and above 30% for permanent dentition.
The World Health Organization 2022 national profile for India (most recent) records untreated caries of permanent teeth at 28.8% and severe periodontal disease at 21.8% for adults, yet some recent research suggests these figures probably undercount current burdens by virtue of growing unmet needs. This is particularly the case among lower socioeconomic groups, among whom these ailments are overrepresented and access to care is limited.
The Interconnection of Oral and General Health
The relationship between oral and total health in India is two-faceted and multi-dimensional. Strong evidence at national and state levels suggests oral diseases are a cause and consequence of other system diseases.
1. Causal and Bidirectional Relationships
Oral diseases can have direct implications for the occurrence and severity of other diseases that are systemic. For example, periodontal disease, a chronic condition of gum inflammation has been discovered to have a causal association with:
- Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) and Stroke: Bacteria present in the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and cause platelet deposition inside arteries.
- Diabetes: The gum condition may complicate an individual’s ability to cope with blood sugars.
- Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Mouth infections are associated with prematurity and being born with a low birth weight.
- Respiratory Disorders and Dementia: The relationship is being increasingly investigated.
Conversely, oral health may be influenced by a patient’s overall health and medication. Certain medications, for instance, can lead to xerostomia (dryness of the mouth), hence increasing risk for decay and gum diseases since there is less saliva flowing to aid protection for teeth and gum tissues.
2. COMMON DETERMINANTS
Oral and systemic diseases often share risk factors and include:
- Unhealthy Diet: Overconsumption of sugars causes dental caries and chronic non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes.
- Tobacco, Gutka and Alcohol Intake: These are major risk factors for oral cancers and other system diseases such as periodontal disease.
These risk factors are highly disproportionate to disadvantaged populations and illustrate socio-economic health disparities.
The Role of Dentistry in Public Health
Dentistry is about more than tooth care; it plays an important role in public health with its contribution to disease prevention and early detection and reduction of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
1. Prevention and Early Disease Detection
Dentists are best positioned to notice and diagnose evidence for many illnesses during oral examination visits. For example, early detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related oropharyngeal cancers during a dental visit has been observed to enhance cancer survival percentages by 30%. This has furthered arguments towards combining dental check-ups with universal health policy and wider disease tracking programs.
2. Narrowing care disparities
Though oral health is vital, access is a significant barrier all over the world.
- Excessive Out-of-Pocket Payments: The care is characterized by excessive out-of-pocket payments by patients, disproportionately for those with cheaper services.
- Limited Government Provision: Cost and limited provision are access barriers with rural-urban inequities. Policymakers need to include oral health coverage under Ayushman Bharat.
Policymakers need to prioritize oral healthcare inclusion when designing plans at the national level for health systems to reduce preventable oral diseases’ social, economic, and health consequences.
3. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Dentistry accounts for a significant proportion of all antibiotic prescriptions. The dental practitioner has a crucial responsibility to promote responsible antibiotic prescription to combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. This involves:
- Antimicrobial Stewardship: Administering antibiotics only when necessary.
- Infection Control: Integrating infection control measures efficiently in dental clinics.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Work with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated, holistic care.
Conclusion
Overall, closing oral health disparities is key to achieving greater public health generally. It requires a commitment to prevention once again, equal access to care, and cooperation by all health professions with one another.
As a means to allow maintenance of routine oral health care to occur easily, Mintdrops Natural Oral Care provides a drug-free, convenient alternative to fit preventive ideology. Based upon Ayurvedic traditions, its list is made up of herbal toothpaste, herbal tooth powders, tooth tabs, natural mouthwashes, throat sprays, and chewable tables with plant materials like mint and clove with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory contents and neem with antimicrobial effect.
Mintdrops Oral Care products naturally reduce bacterial plaque, neutralize gum hypersensitivity, boost gum fortitude, and maintain fresh breath with no alcohol, fluoride, or synthetic foaming agents, and thus can work with sensitive users and when you travel. Customer comments praise their capacity to establish a healthy oral microbiome balance, prevent common malady like gingivitis, and fit seamlessly into routines to achieve long-term oral health. Mintdrops provides users with the ability to actively manage oral health and neutralize potential system-wide threats with daily normal use.
