Global, regional, and National levels and trends in burden of dental caries and periodontal disease from 1990 to 2035: result from the global burden of disease study 2021.

BACKGROUND

The global burden of dental caries (DC) and periodontal disease (PD) has evolved significantly from 1990 to 2021, influenced by demographic shifts and socioeconomic factors in oral health interventions. This study aims to analyze historical trends, project future trajectories to 2035, and identify inequalities to inform equitable oral health policy development.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), which integrates epidemiological records from systematic reviews, survey data preparation, disease registries, and case notifications, we conducted an observational analysis based on historical population-level data from 1990 to 2021.We analyzed the incidence, prevalence, and their corresponding age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) for caries of deciduous teeth (CDT), caries of permanent teeth (CPT) and periodontal disease (PD). Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models with Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) were employed to forecast trends through 2035, integrating second-order smoothing effects, overdispersion adjustments, and uncertainty quantification via 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations (95% UI) with future precision expressed as 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2021, CDT prevalence declined regionally, while PD remained prevalent, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations in high-burden regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Significant gender disparities were noted, with females experiencing comparable deciduous DC in early childhood, whereas males showed dominant PD rates in middle/older ages. Low-income regions still face high burdens despite progress. Projections to 2035 suggest a CDT resurgence and aging-driven PD persistence.

CONCLUSIONS

DC and PD persist as major public health issues, shaped by gender, age, and regional disparities. The projected resurgence of childhood DC and persistent PD prevalence by 2035 underscore the need for targeted interventions. Tailored public health initiatives are essential to mitigate long-term impacts and improve global oral health outcomes.