Billions suffer from tooth decay

Poor teeth are linked to disease

Five billion people world-wide suffer from tooth decay, the World Health Organization has estimated.

Tooth decay and gum disease are a major problem in industrialised societies - and pose an increasing threat in the developing world.

Experts warn that many people fail to realise that good oral hygiene can lead to a longer, better life.

The loss of teeth often leads to malnutrition - and subsequently a host of other health problems.

A new WHO report estimates that treatment of oral diseases accounts for up to 10% of health costs in industrialised countries - and poses a burden with which many developing countries cannot cope.

Dr Poul Erik Petersen, of the WHO Global Oral Health Program, said: "Poor oral health can have a profound effect on general health and the quality of life.

Risk factors for gum disease: Smoking Chewing tobacco and betel nuts Using snuff Brushing and flossing inadequately Consuming too little calcium and other micro-nutrients Drinking too much alcohol

"The experience of pain, endurance or dental abscesses, problems with eating, chewing and missing, discoloured or damaged teeth, has a major impact on people's daily lives and well being."

His colleague Dr Catherine Le Gales-Camus said many people saw losing teeth as natural consequence of ageing when it was actually preventable in many cases.

She said: "There is a perception that dental caries (tooth decay) is no longer a problem in the developed world, but it affects 60-90% of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults."

In addition, tooth decay is the most prevalent oral disease in several Asian and Latin American countries, she said.

The WHO says that most children around the world such signs of the gum disease gingivitis.

Severe gum disease, which can result in tooth loss, is found in up to 15% of most populations.

Research shows that in industrialised nations, smoking is a key factor in the development of gum disease.

Oral disease appears to be less of a problem in Africa. However, the WHO is concerned that growing consumption of sugars, and inadequate exposure to fluorides will soon see a deterioration in the situation.

Oral cancer

The WHO is also concerned about high levels of oral cancer. This tends to be more common in men, mainly because they smoke more than women.

In south-central Asia, where the habit of chewing highly carcinogenic betel nuts is prevalent, oral cancer ranks among the three most common types of cancer.

However, there has also been a sharp increase in oral and throat cancers reported in industrialised countries, including Denmark, Germany, and Scotland, and to a lesser extent Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the US.

This may in part be due to high alcohol consumption. It is thought that the combination of tobacco and alcohol may work together to increase the risk of oral cancer.

The WHO has launched a revamped campaign to improve oral health care.