Integrated Strategies for Early Diagnosis and Prevention of Oral Diseases in Asia Pacific

Abstract

Oral diseases pose a significant global public health challenge, affecting 3.5 billion people and surpassing the prevalence of major noncommunicable diseases. There is a growing burden of oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, and dentine hypersensitivity (DH) from several countries in Southeast Asia including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The impact of oral diseases on quality of life and their association with systemic health emphasize the need for preventive strategies and early interventions. The objectives of the Oral Health Steering Committee were to gain insights and a comprehensive picture of the oral disease burden in the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, to highlight the importance of early prevention of oral health diseases, as well as the importance of identifying early symptoms of oral discomfort associated with oral diseases and to examine the correlation between oral diseases and systemic health. The committee included nine experts from the region with significant expertise in dental health. A steering committee of nine dental experts from seven Southeast Asian countries reviewed evidence on the burden of oral diseases, the prevention of oral discomfort in early diagnosis and its impact on systemic health. The association between oral health and systemic health was discussed by the group. The committee highlighted that there is a need for comprehensive public health strategies, including population-level preventive measures, professional evaluations, and awareness programs to improve oral health outcomes and reduce treatment costs. The role in interprofessional collaboration between dental professionals and medical professionals in achieving early identification of oral diseases and increases referrals to dental professionals at early stages of diseases was highlighted. These insights stress the importance of early diagnosis, prevention and targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of oral health issues and improve overall public health outcomes in the region.