Global burden of gum disease, tooth loss is only getting worse

In the last 30 years, little progress has been made to address the global incidence of severe periodontitis and tooth loss, highlighting the need for effective public health interventions. The study was published in the Journal of Periodontal Research.

Furthermore, as the population grows and ages, more people are expected to be affected, the authors wrote.

"Both severe periodontitis and edentulism are highly prevalent globally, imposing a significant burden on individuals and societies," wrote the authors, led by Gustavo Nascimento of the Duke-NUS Medical School Oral Health Academic Clinical Program in Singapore (J Periodontal Res, August 27, 2024).