Anew report says nearly four-billion people have major tooth decay, or cavities. That number represents more than half of the world's population. Health officials 61 (warn) that failure to repair cavities can lead to social and emotional problems.
Wagner Marcenes is with the Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary, University of London. He led a team of researchers as part of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. About 500 researchers attempt 62 (collect) and examine studies about all major diseases. They used the information to estimate rates of the infection.
The report says 63 (treat) tooth decay is the most common of all 651 major diseases and injuries. Professor Marcenes says cavities or holes in permanent teeth are also known as caries.
“Caries is a chronic disease that shares the same risk factors 64 cancer, cardiovascular disease. 65 we're having now is an increase in disease from highly developed countries 66 (happen) in sub-Saharan Africa and probably it will be in 67 areas of Africa, too.”
He says an increase in tooth decay in Africa could be a 68 of developing countries becoming more like Western nations. “It is likely to be related to a change in diet. Our industrialized diet leads to chronic disease, which includes caries. And that may be the main explanation.”
But professor Marcenes says the biggest issue in tooth decay is both social and mental. He says the researchers found strong evidence 69 the mouth has a big influence on socialization. He says many people want to hide bad teeth. They smile less and communicate less.
Wagner Marcenes is calling for 70 “urgent, organized, social response” to the widespread lack of oral health.