Periodontal diseases remain one of the most prevalent—and fastest-growing—oral health challenges worldwide, according to a study published in Frontiers in Oral Health. Drawing on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, researchers found that the global burden of periodontal disease has surged over the past three decades and is projected to escalate dramatically by 2040, largely due to population aging and growth.
In 2021 there were nearly 90 million new cases, 107 million prevalent cases, and 6.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to periodontal disease worldwide. The researchers estimate that by 2040, the global case counts are expected to increase by 27.9% (incidence), 39.7% (prevalence), and 38.1% (DALYs).
Periodontal diseases are closely linked to systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s, and the study’s authors warn that the confluence of aging populations, rising risk factors like diabetes and tobacco use, and disparities in care access is creating a perfect storm for periodontal health.
Countries like India and China recorded the highest raw case numbers, largely due to population size. However, low-income nations like Sierra Leone showed disproportionately high rates when adjusted for age, reflecting limited access to dental services and preventive care. Conversely, countries like Spain and Kiribati demonstrated some of the lowest growth rates in disease burden, thanks to targeted public health efforts and expanded access to care.
The study also found a strong negative correlation between a country’s socioeconomic development (SDI) and the burden of periodontal disease. High-SDI countries benefit from early intervention and routine dental care, while low-SDI regions often face late-stage presentation, poor oral hygiene infrastructure, and scarce provider access.
Through decomposition analysis, the study found that population growth accounts for 76% of the global increase in DALYs from 1990 to 2021, while population aging contributed another 21%. Epidemiological changes—including evolving behaviors and disease risk—added about 3%.
The 2010–2015 period marked a sharp uptick in disease burden, likely due to the rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity. In contrast, periods following the 2005 implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control showed modest declines, suggesting policy impact on oral health trends.
The study authors offer several takeaways for clinicians and policymakers, noting that early screening is critical, especially in older adults where disease progression is often insidious and underdiagnosed. Given the established links to systemic diseases, periodontal care should be embedded into chronic disease management frameworks, and universal health coverage must include oral health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access remains a key barrier. Also, workforce expansion and community-level education will be pivotal in reducing disparities and improving early intervention.
“Comprehensive prevention strategies, particularly those targeting countries with low to middle SDI, are crucial to mitigate this burden,” The authors write in their conclusion. “Addressing these trends requires integrating oral health into universal health coverage to ensure equitable access to care and innovations.”
Source: Global, regional, and national burden of periodontal diseases from 1990 to 2021 and predictions to 2040: an analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021 | Frontiers in Oral Health
