Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Moreover, the overall burden of oral health conditions on services is likely to keep increasing because of population growth and ageing.
“Oral health in India faces critical challenges, with approximately 85 percent of adults experiencing issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, largely due to limited awareness, poor oral hygiene practices, and restricted access to dental care, especially in rural areas with scarce dental infrastructure and professionals. Financial constraints and low awareness often lead people to delay or avoid dental care, resulting in late-stage diagnoses that complicate treatment and increase healthcare costs,” Dr. Svapna Koppikar, Director, Professional Oral Care at Colgate-Palmolive, APAC told Financial Express.com.
Oral cancer rates are particularly concerning, driven by the widespread use of tobacco and areca nut, though only about 10 percent of Indians are aware they have oral health issues despite approximately 80 percent having cavities.
What are the challenges?
Challenges in diagnosis and treatment are tied to accessibility, cost, and awareness, as many people seek dental care only when symptoms like pain or impaired chewing arise, rather than through preventive measures.
“Regular dental checkups every six months could help identify and treat conditions early, yet the country’s oral health promotion programs and integration with public health initiatives remain inadequate. Although efforts like Ayushman Bharat are improving healthcare access, integrating oral health into the public health framework and expanding education in schools and rural communities are crucial steps toward addressing these challenges and encouraging preventive care,” Dr. Koppikar said.
In India, tooth decay is a prevalent health concern, particularly among children and adolescents. Dental caries is a disease process that occurs when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from food into acids, which then erode the tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to infections, and even tooth loss if not treated.
According to Dr. Koppikar, factors contributing to tooth decay include poor oral hygiene, high sugar consumption, limited access to dental care, and a lack of awareness about proper oral health practices.
“The prevalence of this in India is notably high. Studies indicate that around 60-70% of children in urban and rural areas suffer from dental caries, with rates varying by socioeconomic status, age, and regional factors. For example, a study from Karnataka found a caries prevalence of nearly 78.9% among children aged 6-11, which is higher compared to other countries like South Africa and the United States,” she explained.
In another study from the Mahbubnagar district of Telangana, approximately 64% of children exhibited signs of tooth decay in primary teeth, with prevalence higher among children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with poor oral hygiene practices. Moreover, differences were observed based on gender, with girls showing slightly higher caries rates than boys.
Dr. Varinder Goyal, BDS, MDS (Pediatric Dentistry) told Financial Express.com that the diagnosis and treatment of oral health issues in India face several challenges, which contribute to the widespread prevalence of oral diseases and hinder effective healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas:
- Limited Access to Professional Dental Care
- Insufficient Awareness and Education
- Inadequate Workforce and Infrastructure
- Widespread use of Tobacco and Betel Nut
- Financial Barriers
- Technology and Diagnostic Tools
- Inadequate Preventive Measures
How supplementing fluoride dentifrices with arginine can help effectively prevent dental caries?
Recently, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry explores the synergistic effects of fluoride and arginine in preventing dental caries.
“Arginine, an amino acid, helps neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, maintaining a balanced oral pH. When combined with fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel, this dual-action formulation enhances enamel remineralization and reduces the likelihood of cavities. The combination is particularly beneficial in environments where dental caries is prevalent, offering a simple yet effective preventive measure,” Dr. Koppikar told Financial Express.com.
In India, where dental caries is a major concern due to dietary habits, limited access to dental care, and other factors, this fluoride-arginine combination could have a significant impact.
“It may serve as an accessible solution for individuals, especially in underserved areas, helping to prevent tooth decay and improve overall oral health. Given the widespread issues of dental health in India, this combination of ingredients is a promising approach to addressing both early and advanced stages of caries,” he said.
She also claimed that this combination is superior to conventional oral care products because it addresses the preventive aspect of managing tooth decay more effectively.
“While conventional products often lack elements that strengthen the enamel and control the mouth’s pH, this combination includes arginine, an ingredient that supports these functions. Arginine helps make the mouth more resistant to bacteria, contributing to stronger enamel and a balanced pH level, which are crucial for reducing the risk of decay,” she said.
How to prevent tooth decay?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common oral health issue in India, affecting a large portion of the population, particularly children and
adolescents.
“It occurs when the enamel (the hard, outer surface of the tooth) is damaged by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria break down sugars from food and drinks, leading to acid formation that erodes the enamel, resulting in holes or cavities,” Dr. Goyal told Financial Express.com.
Tooth decay prevention centers on maintaining consistent oral hygiene and managing dietary habits. Daily habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are critical in removing plaque, the leading cause of decay. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, which protects teeth from acids produced by plaque bacteria.
“Using mouthwash and ensuring adequate hydration can help keep bacterial buildup in check. Diet also plays a crucial role. Limiting sugar intake, especially from snacks and beverages, can prevent cavities, as sugar fuels plaque bacteria that produce decay-causing acids. In India, where oral health awareness is increasing, regular dental check-ups are recommended to catch early signs of decay and allow for professional cleanings to maintain oral health,” Dr. Koppikar highlighted.
Here are some practical and effective measures that everyone can take to better care for their teeth and prevent tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Floss once daily.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Limit sugary and acidic foods.
- Drink Fluoridated Water
- Use antibacterial mouthwash.
- Consider Dental Sealants
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to increase saliva flow
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Use
- Address Dry Mouth