A new nationwide survey has revealed a startling public health challenge—nine out of ten Indians suffer from dental problems, yet only 9% actively seek dental care. The findings underscore a deep-rooted gap in oral health awareness, access, and preventive behavior across the country.
The data comes from the Oral Health Movement (OHM), an expansive screening initiative conducted in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and Colgate-Palmolive India. Over 4.5 million individuals were surveyed across 700 districts and 18,000 PIN codes, making it one of the most comprehensive oral health assessments in India’s history.
Widespread Risk, Minimal Action
The survey found that:
- 41% of participants are at high risk of cavities,
- 44% suffer from gum disease, and
- 14% experience enamel erosion or tooth staining.
Overall, 72% of those screened were at risk for at least one major oral health issue. Yet despite the prevalence, only 9% had consulted a dentist in the last year.
India’s national oral health score, based on the findings, stood at 2.6 out of 5—an alarming reflection of a largely neglected healthcare area.
A Crisis of Awareness and Prioritization
Speaking at the Oral Health Movement Summit in New Delhi, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Colgate-Palmolive India CEO Prabha Narasimhan emphasized the urgent need to reframe oral care as an essential part of preventive health, not just a matter of personal grooming.
“Oral health is deeply intertwined with general health,” Narasimhan said. “It is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and overall immunity. We need to shift mindsets from cure to prevention.”
The summit emphasized integrating oral health education into schools, boosting screening in underserved communities, and using digital tools to reach India’s rural population.
Changing Lifestyles, Rising Risk
The study also pointed to the impact of modern dietary habits on dental health. Indians today snack an average of 4.5 to 5 times per day, often consuming sugary or acidic foods, which expose teeth to near-constant acid attacks. Dentists recommend brushing after meals with fluoride-based toothpaste, but adherence remains low.
Meanwhile, many Indians avoid dental visits due to fear, cost, or the belief that treatment is only needed when pain arises. This reactive approach often leads to more severe conditions that require complex, costly interventions.
A National Call to Action
India has a robust dental infrastructure, producing around 25,000 dental graduates annually, yet a significant urban-rural gap remains in access to care. Experts at the summit called for integrating oral health into primary healthcare policy, especially targeting populations with diabetes, heart conditions, the elderly, and school-aged children.
The Indian Dental Association is advocating for routine oral screenings in schools, public campaigns, and the establishment of mobile dental units in remote regions.
Without urgent intervention, experts warn, India’s oral health burden could exacerbate broader non-communicable disease challenges and deepen public health disparities.
