September is Oral Health Month in South Africa, a time to raise awareness about the importance of good oral hygiene and access to dental care.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases are a major public health issue in the country.
The WHOs recent report on the global burden of oral disease reveals some concerning statistics for South Africa.
In 2019, it was estimated that 28.5% of the population over 5 years old had untreated tooth decay in their permanent teeth. The situation is even more dire for children, with 38.6% of 1 to 9-year-olds affected by untreated decay in their baby teeth.
Additionally, nearly 25% of teenagers in South Africa suffer from severe gum disease. Oral cancer is also a significant problem, with around 1 933 new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer reported in 2020.
