Global: The worldwide burden of oral diseases continues to grow, with a major international analysis estimating that the number of people affected by key oral conditions increased between 2019 and 2023.

The study found that cases of major oral conditions rose by about 3.07 percent during the four-year period, increasing from an estimated 3.62 billion cases to 3.73 billion. The analysis covered data from 204 countries and territories.

Tooth Decay Remains a Major Concern

Untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth remains one of the largest contributors to the global oral-health burden.

The estimated number of cases increased from around 2.20 billion in 2019 to approximately 2.26 billion in 2023. At the same time, the age-standardised prevalence declined, indicating that population growth and ageing are contributing to the rise in the total number of cases.

Severe Gum Disease Also Increasing

Severe periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, also recorded an increase.

Global cases rose from approximately 1.03 billion in 2019 to 1.09 billion in 2023, representing an increase of about 5.73 percent.

Severe gum disease can damage the tissues supporting the teeth and may eventually contribute to tooth loss when left untreated.

Tooth Loss Adds to the Global Burden

Complete tooth loss, known medically as edentulism, showed an even larger increase.

The analysis estimated that cases rose from about 336 million in 2019 to 373 million in 2023, an increase of more than 11 percent.

Tooth loss can affect eating, speech and quality of life and may create additional challenges for older adults.

Oral Cancer Requires Continued Attention

The research also identified an increase in the age-standardised incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer between 2019 and 2023.

Researchers estimated an increase of about 8.35 percent in age-standardised incidence during the period.

Early detection can be important because persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps or changes in the mouth should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Population Growth Influences Overall Numbers

The rise in total cases does not necessarily mean that the risk for every individual has increased.

Researchers found that age-standardised prevalence of the main oral conditions actually declined by 1.55 percent between 2019 and 2023. However, the total number of cases increased because population growth and ageing are outpacing improvements in prevention and treatment.

Prevention Remains Important

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, maintaining good oral hygiene, limiting excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, avoiding tobacco and seeking regular dental care can help reduce preventable oral-health problems.

Access to affordable dental services is also important, particularly for communities where preventive and restorative treatment remains difficult to obtain.

A Growing Global Health Challenge

The findings highlight that oral health remains a major component of global public health.

Although some indicators have improved, the overall number of people living with major oral conditions continues to rise. Expanding preventive care, improving access to dental treatment and integrating essential oral-health services into broader healthcare systems could help reduce the burden in the coming years.