The World Health Organisation calls for global leaders to prioritise action against oral diseases

This week the World Dental Federation (FDI) called on governments and global health bodies to prioritise action against oral diseases, including through integrating oral health at the United Nations (UN) High Level Meeting (HLM) on Universal Health Coverage.

The Meeting takes place in New York and is a key opportunity for countries to assess progress and identify areas for concrete action to provide health for all.

Oral diseases are the most prevalent conditions affecting people worldwide, with close to 3.5 billion people suffering from tooth decay, severe gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO). There are nearly one billion more cases of oral diseases than all five major noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers and mental disorders) combined.

Good oral health is such a vital part of our daily lives, both in terms of physical health and mental well-being

Oral diseases impact billions of people every year, it is time for governments and global health agencies to draw a line in the sand and act. That means ensuring equitable access to affordable, quality oral healthcare for all, and making oral health central to plans for universal health coverage.

Good oral health is critical to breathing, eating, speaking, and smiling. Most dental diseases are preventable and treatable with cost effective interventions, but nearly 75% of people suffering from dental disease globally live in low and middle income countries, where the cost of dental healthcare can be inhibitive.

There has been increasing action against dental diseases at the global level, and in 2021, countries supported a ground-breaking WHO resolution on oral health, and this year, the 76th session of the World Health Assembly will adopt the Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023-2030), which calls on governments to ensure that at least 80% of the global population is entitled to essential oral healthcare services, by prioritising the integration of dental health into their national health services and ensuring there are enough trained dental health professionals.

There is growing momentum on dental health, including the upcoming adoption of the Global Oral Health Action Plan, which aligns with FDI's Vision 2030 to Delivering Optimal Oral Health For All.

World Oral Health Day is a great opportunity for dental health professionals and the broader global community to promote the importance of positive attitudes towards dental healthcare. To celebrate this day, FDI asks all people all around the world to take part in its #MouthProud challenge and encourage others to take care of their mouths for a healthy smile and a healthy life.