In a new report, the World Health Organization has called on European countries to take swift action against the rise of dental disease.

For every two adults in the WHO Region of Europe, one of them suffered from an oral disease in 2019, the report said.

It’s a global problem, with about 3.5 billion people worldwide affected by problems such as tooth decay and tooth loss, said Hans Kluk, WHO regional director for Europe.

The total number of victims in Europe is 466 million. Kluge added that those without health insurance and the marginalized are particularly affected.

The World Health Organization said in its report that 53 member countries in Europe and Central Asia need to improve access to basic dental care.

Copenhagen-based World Health Organization Europe says dental care that is safe, effective and free, or at least affordable, is essential.

Oral health

“Oral health is an essential component of health care as it contributes to essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and includes self-confidence, well-being and psychological and social dimensions,” the report emphasized. Ability to socialize and work without pain, difficulty or embarrassment.

In addition to sugar consumption, the World Health Organization considers tobacco, alcohol, trauma and poor oral hygiene to be major causes of oral disease.

Tooth decay is the most common non-communicable disease worldwide, but it shouldn’t be, and we have all the tools to prevent it, Klug said.

Kluge said the new policies would be a good starting point to reduce sugar consumption.