Over 1/2 UK adults will have dental disease by 2050, according to recent projections. Oral diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease, are among the most widespread chronic illnesses globally, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. These conditions can lead to serious health complications, such as pain, infection, tooth loss, and links to diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
The economic burden of oral diseases is significant, ranking as the fourth most expensive group of diseases to treat worldwide, with additional costs from productivity losses. The shortage of NHS dentists and increasing difficulty in accessing dental care, coupled with the UK’s aging population, could exacerbate this issue.
Researchers from the University of Greenwich and Cape Western Reserve University used advanced modelling techniques and data from the UK’s 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey to predict oral health trends from 2020 to 2050. Their study found that over half of the UK population could have dental disease by 2050.
The prevalence of gum disease is projected to increase from 42% to 54%, with those showing signs of gum disease rising from 25.7 million to 28 million, and gum tissue loss cases increasing from 18.7 million to nearly 21 million. However, for adults aged 16 to 59, tooth decay rates are expected to slightly decline from 15.7 million to 15.5 million.
The findings highlight the urgent need for improved dental care access and interventions to prevent a looming public health crisis.
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