Study quantifies global burden of untreated oral disease

Untreated caries in permanent teeth and chronic periodontitis continue to account for two of the most prevalent oral health issues in the world, particularly in developing countries, according to a study published today in the Journal of Dental Research (May 29, 2013).

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study, which was published in Lancet in December 2012, the researchers compiled comparable estimates of the burden of 291 diseases and injuries in 1990, 2005, and 2010. For this study, they looked specifically at the global burden of untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and severe tooth loss in 2010 and compared those figures with estimates for 1990.

Using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and years lived with disability metrics to quantify burden, the study authors found that oral conditions affected 3.9 billion people and that untreated caries in permanent teeth was the most prevalent condition evaluated for the entire GBD 2010 study (global prevalence of 35% for all ages combined). Oral conditions combined accounted for 15 million DALYs globally, implying an average health loss of 224 years per 100,000 population.

DALYs due to oral conditions increased 20.8% between 1990 and 2010, mainly due to population growth and aging, the researchers noted. While DALYs due to severe periodontitis and untreated caries increased, those due to severe tooth loss decreased.

The findings highlight the challenge in responding to the diversity of urgent oral health needs worldwide, particularly in developing communities, the study authors concluded.