“Untreated Tooth Decay” Affects Billions Globally

05 Mar 2015 --- More than 2.4bn people have untreated tooth decay across the globe, and the increased consumption of sugary food and drinks is to blame, according to a study in the Journal of Dental Research.

Experts say this figure is alarming, especially when as a globe we know about ways to both treat and prevent tooth decay.

Tooth decay occurs when acids in the mouth dissolve the outer layers of teeth, which is know as dental decay or dental caries. When left untreated, this can lead to problems such as cavities, gum disease or abscesses. 

According to UK data, a third of the population had untreated dental decay in 2010, while in Lithuania the proportion was more than double this at 68%. 

Professor Wagner Marcenes of Queen Mary University of London, who led scientists in this study, says the main reason behind this is diet. 

“It is alarming to see prevention and treatment of tooth decay has been neglected at this level,” he says. “Tooth decay is a significant economic burden. And if left untreated, it leads to poor productivity at work and absenteeism in adults, and poor school attendance and performance in children.”