By Dr. Joseph D. Lim
Tooth decay impacts most on the economic conditions of the poor.
In fact, according to new research, the economic impact of dental caries or tooth decay is disproportionately higher in the most deprived groups, new research finds.
The estimated per-person costs is approximately £18,000 in the United Kingdom, research at the University of Birmingham shows. It could be dramatically reduced with targeted preventative measures, the study shows.
The study, published in BMC Public Health and commissioned by the European Federation of Periodontology, examined inequalities in oral health by estimating the economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in the UK, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, and Italy.
An international research team, including Professor Moritz Kebschull and Professor Iain Chapple from the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry, developed a simulation model to study the healthcare costs associated with managing dental caries from adolescence to middle age in the six countries.
The study then analyzed the potential healthcare cost reduction resulting from the implementation of various preventive measures, including community water fluoridation, taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, education programs in schools, and oral health awareness campaigns. Individual measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and applying topical fluoride were also factored in.
The study was based on national data about decayed, missing and filled teeth, the relative likelihood of receiving an intervention (such as a restorative procedure, tooth extraction and replacement), and clinically guided assumptions for different socioeconomic groups, according to the University of Birmingham.
It found that the economic impact of dental caries is disproportionately higher in the most deprived groups, with the UK showing the highest per-person costs across the six countries at approximately £18,000 ($22,910).
“Our study highlights the critical need for early and sustained preventive measures to address the economic and health disparities associated with dental caries,” said Dr. Chapple, Professor of Periodontology and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham.
Dr. Chapple leads the Oral, Intestinal and Systemic Health research theme at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
“By focusing on the most vulnerable populations, we can achieve substantial cost savings and improve overall oral health outcomes,” he said. “The results of our analysis support the case for a more inclusive public health approach to caries management, that focuses on prevention rather than treatment.”
The study estimates that these interventions reduce caries progression rates by 30 percent. The greatest reduction in per-person costs for caries management was seen in the most deprived group.
Targeting those who are most in need would have an even greater potential for cost savings, with reductions of approximately £14,000 ($17,728) per person in the UK in the most deprived group.
“We observed that people in the most deprived groups have more dental caries from the start, which leads to more caries overall and higher costs,” said Professor Moritz Kebschull, head of the Division for Periodontology and Oral Rehabilitation at the University of Birmingham and researcher at the NIHR Birmingham BRC.
“Therefore, it’s important to start preventive care early, focusing on reducing caries in young children and continuing throughout their lives.”
***
Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
***
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De La Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/WDJ