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The dental caries pandemic and disparities problem
1Section of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. ble22@columbia.edu
BMC Oral Health
|August 29, 2006
Summary
Dental caries, a global pandemic, requires understanding its causes and distribution. This review highlights disparities and promotes science-based interventions for prevention and management worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Epidemiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant global health issue, often characterized as a pandemic.
- Understanding caries etiology and distribution is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Oral health disparities are linked to factors like sugar consumption, fluoride access, and social determinants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global distribution and trends of dental caries.
- To explore the impact of various factors on caries prevalence and disparities.
- To support science-based preventive and disease management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of international and U.S. studies on caries distribution and trends.
- Analysis of static and temporal data on worldwide caries prevalence.
- Consideration of factors influencing oral health disparities.
Main Results:
- Dental caries exhibits pandemic-level distribution globally.
- Significant oral health disparities exist within and between countries.
- Sugar consumption, fluoride usage, and social determinants impact caries prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Characterizing caries as a pandemic is appropriate given its widespread impact.
- Addressing caries requires multi-level interventions from individual to public policy.
- Promoting World Health Organization recommendations for science-based interventions is vital.
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