Dental caries is considered the most common chronic disease in the world; however, it is clear that it is largely preventable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 60% and 90% of school-age children worldwide and nearly 100% of adults suffer from dental caries, which can drastically affect patients’ quality of life, whether due to pain or discomfort, and the loss of days or decreased participation in school and work. Additionally, it has a significant economic impact due to the high cost of treatment, which remains unaffordable for many of the patients affected.
Therefore, due to the high numbers, the World Day for a Cavity-Free Future is celebrated every October 14th and was launched as a global awareness initiative in 2016. It has been celebrated worldwide since then. Its goal is to raise global awareness about dental caries, a disease that, when not addressed, can lead to cavities. Moreover, it takes advantage of the global attention received on this day to address and emphasize topics that also explain best practices for the prevention and management of dental caries and the cavities it causes.
In addition to all the recommendations that can be made by any dental clinic, the WHO’s recommendations on sugar consumption are a positive step in trying to combat its effect on dental health and excessive consumption in the diet, as it is proven that sugar is the primary cause of dental caries. However, it is important to remember that there are other factors that must also be taken into account to prevent this disease, such as the application of fluoride and the removal of plaque through daily tooth brushing.
Therefore, at Dental Esthetics, we join the initiative of this World Day for a Cavity-Free Future. We are also aware of the magnitude it can cause, which is why one of our daily goals when seeing our patients is to place great emphasis on explaining and helping them understand the importance of taking control of their oral health. The simple act of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and reducing the frequency of sugar intake can already be a key step in reducing the number of people who develop cavities.