GlobalData highlights disease prevention with World Oral Health Day

Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet it is often overlooked. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. However, the consequences extend beyond the mouth. Research has established strong links between oral health and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Neglecting oral health can have serious implications, not only for the teeth and gums but also for overall health. Some of the diseases and conditions linked to poor oral hygiene include oral cancer, which affects the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat, often linked to risk factors like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and HPV infection. Poor oral hygiene can also be linked to diabetes complications, as those with diabetes are more prone to gum disease because of weakened immunity and poor blood sugar control.

One of the most common diseases associated with poor oral health is periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, beginning with gingivitis and potentially progressing to periodontitis, leading to bone and tissue damage.

According to GlobalData, more than 280,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with periodontitis in 2024. Of these cases, 27.9 percent of patients needed dental implants.

“World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder of the essential steps everyone should take to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent disease, including brushing teeth, flossing, going to the dentist, limiting sugary foods and tobacco and staying hydrated,” said Alexandra Murdoch, senior medical analyst at GlobalData.

Poor oral hygiene can have significant implications for the dental devices market, as it can increase the need for dental implants, bridges, dentures and crowns.

GlobalData forecasts the dental implants and abutments market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6 percent in the next 10 years, while the prefabricated crowns and bridges market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3 percent in the next 10 years.

“World Oral Health Day brings attention to an often-overlooked issue, even though poor oral hygiene can lead to severe consequences,” Murdoch said. “Oral hygiene is driving demand for restorative and preventative solutions in the dental market and even outside of dental devices in more severe cases.”

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