Approximately 2 billion people globally suffer

Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Cyprus International University (CIU), Prof. Dr. Lale Taner, stated that according to the World Health Organization's 2024 data, oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people, and said, "Approximately 2 billion individuals in the world suffer from decay in their permanent teeth, and 514 million children have cavities in their primary teeth."
Speaking on Dentistry Day, which is part of Oral and Dental Health Week, Taner said, "It is a special day celebrated every year on November 22nd to emphasize the importance of dentistry in oral and dental health and to increase social awareness."
Prof. Dr. Taner stated that dentistry education is based on a curriculum  that is constantly evolving with technological and medical developments and requires intensive theoretical and practical training, and shared the information that “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a field that requires specialization training in the branches of Endodontics, Restorative, Oral Diagnosis, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Periodontics, and Prosthesis.”
Taner stated that patients who have their oral and dental care done by general practitioners and specialist dentists can both have a healthy smile and protect their general health,  and reminded that inadequate oral health can directly lead to tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer, as well as the risks of diabetes, heart disease, negative pregnancy outcomes, stroke and respiratory disorders.
Dean Taner stated that being healthy involves a holistic approach and emphasized that whole body health is directly connected to the mouth. Taner emphasized the importance of dentistry practices that involve preventive and restorative treatments leading to achieving the healthiest conditions and said that oral and dental health is not only aesthetically important but also the key to a healthy life.
Taner emphasized that oral and dental health, as well as general health, has an important place in social relations and in supporting the individual's self-confidence, and said, "A beautiful smile is possible by protecting our teeth. It is very important for people of all ages to be aware of this issue which will be instrumental in increasing their quality of life."
To conclude, Taner noted that sugar consumption, tobacco or alcohol use, poor oral hygiene and human papillomavirus (HPV) cause general health problems, and that these also play an important role in the course of many infectious diseases and should be avoided.