Source: GlobalData
GlobalData highlights disease prevention with World Oral Health Day
Posted in Medical Devices
March 20 marks World Oral Health Day, an important global event aiming to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being. Led by the FDI World Dental Federation, the annual observance encourages individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to act towards improving oral hygiene. Better oral hygiene can help reduce the burden of dental diseases worldwide, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet it is often overlooked. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. However, the consequences extend beyond the mouth. Research has established strong links between oral health and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The theme for World Oral Health Day 2024, ‘A Happy Mouth, A Happy Body,’ underscores the connection between a healthy smile and overall well-being. Through global campaigns, educational initiatives, and community outreach, the day emphasizes the need for proper oral care, access to dental services, and policies that support good oral health habits.”
Neglecting oral health can have serious implications, not only for the teeth and gums but also for overall health. Some of the diseases and conditions linked to poor oral hygiene include oral cancer, which affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat, often linked to risk factors like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Poor oral hygiene can also be linked to diabetes complications, as those with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to weakened immunity and poor blood sugar control.
One of the most common diseases associated with poor oral health is periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, beginning with gingivitis and potentially progressing to periodontitis, leading to bone and tissue damage.
According to GlobalData, over 280,000 people in the US were diagnosed with periodontitis in 2024. Of these cases, 27.9% of patients needed dental implants.
Murdoch continues: “World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder of the essential steps everyone should take to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent disease, including brushing teeth, flossing, going to the dentist, limiting sugary foods and tobacco, and staying hydrated.”
Poor oral hygiene can have significant implications for the dental devices market, as it can increase the need for dental implants, bridges, dentures and crowns.
GlobalData forecasts the dental implants & abutments market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% in the next 10 years, while the prefabricated crowns & bridges market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% in the next 10 years.
Murdoch concludes: “World Oral Health Day brings attention to an often-overlooked issue, even though poor oral hygiene can lead to severe consequences. Oral hygiene is driving demand for restorative and preventative solutions in the dental market, and even outside of dental devices in more severe cases.”