Istanbul, Turkey – Jul 7, 2025 – According to the World Health Organization’s latest data, nearly half of the world’s population—approximately 3.7 billion people—is affected by some form of oral or dental disease. From untreated cavities to periodontal diseases, these issues not only affect individual health but also impose significant economic costs globally. The World Economic Forum and Philips have reported that the annual global economic burden of oral diseases exceeds 710 billion USD, including both treatment costs and productivity losses.
Erhan Ceylan, CEO of Dr. Wonder Clinic, underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly in light of the continued neglect of oral health on a global scale. “Oral health is a key pillar of overall health, yet millions still face barriers in accessing preventive care and treatment. These numbers should prompt immediate attention and action from policymakers,” Ceylan said.
The Global Prevalence of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The prevalence of untreated cavities and gum disease has reached alarming levels, with millions of people suffering worldwide. Approximately 2.24 billion people are affected by untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, according to the FDI World Dental Federation’s 2024 data. The same report highlights the staggering figure of 530 million children globally suffering from cavities in their baby teeth, equating to one in every two elementary school children.
Periodontal diseases, another major concern, affect approximately 1 billion people worldwide, which is roughly 10-13% of the global population. Severe periodontitis can also contribute to other systemic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, further amplifying the need for preventive oral health care.
Tooth Loss and its Impact on Quality of Life
As individuals age, tooth loss becomes more common. According to 2024 data from Sunstar GUM, 23% of people over the age of 60 experience total tooth loss, while only 7% of adults over 20 suffer from the same condition. Total tooth loss not only affects chewing and nutrition but also impacts speech and social interactions, diminishing quality of life. The global aging population, combined with inadequate access to dental services, is expected to lead to an 83% increase in total tooth loss cases by 2050, resulting in 661 million people with no natural teeth.
“Lack of access to dental care and untreated periodontal diseases contribute significantly to tooth loss in elderly populations,” said Ceylan. “Oral health needs to be an integral part of policies addressing the health of older adults, as it is directly tied to overall well-being.”
Access Barriers and Global Disparities
One of the key challenges highlighted by Ceylan is the unequal distribution of dental professionals worldwide. “Regions with inadequate access to skilled dental professionals face higher rates of preventable oral diseases,” he said. With only 2.54 million dentists globally, the distribution of dental professionals remains skewed. Europe and the Americas, representing 27% of the world’s population, employ 69% of the world’s dentists, while Africa, home to 17% of the global population, has just 1% of the dental workforce.
This disparity limits access to oral healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030), aiming to reduce oral diseases by 10% by 2030. Key strategies include integrating oral health into primary healthcare services, promoting education on oral hygiene, and increasing the use of fluoride.
Dr. Wonder Clinic’s Role in Addressing Global Oral Health
At Dr. Wonder Clinic in Turkey, the focus is on providing high-quality dental services while addressing the increasing global demand for dental care. “Our clinic serves as a model for what comprehensive and preventative dental care can look like,” said Ceylan. “By offering preventive measures, early treatment, and education, we aim to reduce the global burden of oral diseases.”
Dr. Wonder Clinic not only treats individual patients but also plays a role in educating the public on the importance of oral health. From basic cleanings to complex procedures like dental implants and aesthetic treatments, the clinic helps patients manage their oral health in a sustainable, accessible way.
The Need for Prevention and Education
The overwhelming number of untreated oral diseases can be attributed, in part, to inadequate preventive care and public health education. According to the WHO, preventive strategies such as regular dental checkups, proper hygiene practices, and education about the importance of oral health could significantly reduce the prevalence of tooth decay and gum disease.
Ceylan emphasizes that a significant portion of the dental workforce needs to be focused on preventive care and education. This can help not only reduce the occurrence of oral diseases but also empower individuals to take charge of their oral health.
Call to Action for Global Oral Health
The figures are clear: oral health issues are not just a concern for individuals but have a far-reaching economic and societal impact. “The global community must take a more proactive stance on oral health,” Ceylan noted. “This includes improving access to care, prioritizing prevention, and ensuring that oral health is integrated into broader health policy frameworks.”
By focusing on education, prevention, and equitable access to care, oral health can be improved worldwide, reducing both the economic burden and the human suffering caused by these widespread diseases.
About Dr. Wonder Clinic
Dr. Wonder Clinic is a leading dental practice based in Turkey, specializing in comprehensive dental care, including preventive treatments, aesthetic dentistry, and advanced restorative procedures. The clinic is committed to promoting oral health and providing top-quality dental services with a focus on patient care and education.
For more information, visit https://drwonderclinic.com
Media ContactCompany Name: Dr. Wonder ClinicContact Person: Erhan CeylanEmail: Send EmailCountry: TurkeyWebsite: https://drwonderclinic.com
