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Abstract
Chronic diseases and injuries are the leading health problems in all but a few parts
of the world. The rapidly changing disease patterns throughout the world are closely
linked to changing lifestyles, which include diets rich in sugars, widespread use
of tobacco, and increased consumption of alcohol. In addition to socio-environmental
determinants, oral disease is highly related to these lifestyle factors, which are
risks to most chronic diseases as well as protective factors such as appropriate exposure
to fluoride and good oral hygiene. Oral diseases qualify as major public health problems
owing to their high prevalence and incidence in all regions of the world, and as for
all diseases, the greatest burden of oral diseases is on disadvantaged and socially
marginalized populations. The severe impact in terms of pain and suffering, impairment
of function and effect on quality of life must also be considered. Traditional treatment
of oral diseases is extremely costly in several industrialized countries, and not
feasible in most low-income and middle-income countries. The WHO Global Strategy for
Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, added to the common risk factor
approach is a new strategy for managing prevention and control of oral diseases. The
WHO Oral Health Programme has also strengthened its work for improved oral health
globally through links with other technical programmes within the Department for Noncommunicable
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The current oral health situation and development
trends at global level are described and WHO strategies and approaches for better
oral health in the 21st century are outlined.