Prioritizing Routine Dental Visits in Developing Nations: Addressing the Silent Epidemic

Abstract

In developing countries, the burden of oral disease remains a silent epidemic, yet not considered very important in comparison to other systemic health-associated challenges. While significant strides are being achieved in curbing major communicable diseases, some non-communicable diseases are not gaining the same ground, particularly oral diseases such as Dental caries and Periodontal diseases. The review, therefore, aims to highlight the significant role of” Routine Dental Visits” in mitigating against a rise in the global burden and the key factors responsible for its non-utilization generally. It identifies factors such as; poor perception and ignorance of the importance of oral health in relation to overall health, of both the individuals and the government, cultural barriers, affordability of oral health services, a generalized poor health seeking behavior, non\insufficient- health insurance coverage for oral diseases and the curative health model approach of the government system of care, as responsible. The consequence of this neglect was further analysed to be a worsening of clinical presentations, requiring a much higher level of funding than would have been needed for preventive oral healthcare. This subsequently translates to a higher financial burden on oral healthcare for both the individual and the government at large. Changing the status quo would require a change in the curative model approach to oral health to a preventive model of oral healthcare. This would include prioritizing routine oral\dental visits, as a core component of primary healthcare, leveraging on community-based strategies and the integration of oral healthcare into existing health platforms.