India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies
ObjectiveThis review explores the economic and behavioral dimensions of oral health in India, emphasizing the economic burden, treatment-seeking behaviors, and policy-level interventions needed to improve oral health outcomes.MethodsA mixed-method approach was employed, integrating primary data from...
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| Format: | Article |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Dental Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1544899/full |
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| author | Prashant Narang Ashok Dhoble Manu Mathur Salaj Rana Steve Mason Asif Ali |
| author_facet | Prashant Narang Ashok Dhoble Manu Mathur Salaj Rana Steve Mason Asif Ali |
| author_sort | Prashant Narang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectiveThis review explores the economic and behavioral dimensions of oral health in India, emphasizing the economic burden, treatment-seeking behaviors, and policy-level interventions needed to improve oral health outcomes.MethodsA mixed-method approach was employed, integrating primary data from the Oral Health Observatory (OHO) project (2016–2020) and a systematic review of secondary literature. The OHO project surveyed dental clinic patients using mobile app questionnaires, focusing on oral health behaviors, barriers, and outcomes. Secondary data were analyzed from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases to assess the economic implications of oral health care in India.ResultsThe OHO data revealed a steady decline in routine dental visits after the age of 35–44 years, while emergency visits persisted across age groups. Gender disparities were observed, with men reporting higher dissatisfaction, greater oral pain, and work disruptions compared to women. Only 44.7% of participants brushed twice daily, and 36.7% brushed before bed. Secondary findings reveal that untreated oral diseases have a higher economic impact than preventive measures. This highlights the need for consumer awareness, strategic policies, and sustainable healthcare frameworks.ConclusionIndia faces significant challenges in oral health due to low awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and economic barriers. Strengthening preventive strategies, increasing public-private partnerships, and integrating oral health education into primary care can dramatically reduce costs and improve population outcomes. A shift from reactive to preventive care is essential for ensuring equitable and sustainable oral health solutions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0dfd32bef5b8469ea0e600566306d74c |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2673-4915 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Dental Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-0dfd32bef5b8469ea0e600566306d74c2025-08-20T02:16:30ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Dental Medicine2673-49152025-04-01610.3389/fdmed.2025.15448991544899India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategiesPrashant Narang0Ashok Dhoble1Manu Mathur2Salaj Rana3Steve Mason4Asif Ali5Medical & Scientific Affairs, Haleon (Erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), Gurgaon, Haryana, IndiaIndian Dental Association (Head Office), Mumbai, IndiaDental Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London and Head: Health Policy—Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, IndiaDivision of Non-Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, IndiaOral Health Research and Development, Haleon (Erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), London, United KingdomMedical & Scientific Affairs, Haleon (Erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), Gurgaon, Haryana, IndiaObjectiveThis review explores the economic and behavioral dimensions of oral health in India, emphasizing the economic burden, treatment-seeking behaviors, and policy-level interventions needed to improve oral health outcomes.MethodsA mixed-method approach was employed, integrating primary data from the Oral Health Observatory (OHO) project (2016–2020) and a systematic review of secondary literature. The OHO project surveyed dental clinic patients using mobile app questionnaires, focusing on oral health behaviors, barriers, and outcomes. Secondary data were analyzed from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases to assess the economic implications of oral health care in India.ResultsThe OHO data revealed a steady decline in routine dental visits after the age of 35–44 years, while emergency visits persisted across age groups. Gender disparities were observed, with men reporting higher dissatisfaction, greater oral pain, and work disruptions compared to women. Only 44.7% of participants brushed twice daily, and 36.7% brushed before bed. Secondary findings reveal that untreated oral diseases have a higher economic impact than preventive measures. This highlights the need for consumer awareness, strategic policies, and sustainable healthcare frameworks.ConclusionIndia faces significant challenges in oral health due to low awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and economic barriers. Strengthening preventive strategies, increasing public-private partnerships, and integrating oral health education into primary care can dramatically reduce costs and improve population outcomes. A shift from reactive to preventive care is essential for ensuring equitable and sustainable oral health solutions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1544899/fulloral healthquality of lifeeconomic burdenhealth policyIndiadental care |
| spellingShingle | Prashant Narang Ashok Dhoble Manu Mathur Salaj Rana Steve Mason Asif Ali India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies Frontiers in Dental Medicine oral health quality of life economic burden health policy India dental care |
| title | India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| title_full | India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| title_fullStr | India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| title_full_unstemmed | India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| title_short | India's oral health outlook: challenges, economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| title_sort | india s oral health outlook challenges economic impact and need for preventative strategies |
| topic | oral health quality of life economic burden health policy India dental care |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2025.1544899/full |
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