Results of a comprehensive study in the country the oral health crisis in Iran a serious threat to public health

According to the Public Relations Office of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Shervan Sha'ei, the principal investigator of the study titled "Estimating the Burden of Diseases Attributable to Oral Diseases Using Effect Size Calculated from Iran's Demographic Data and the Impact of Dentist Density on Its Change," expressed concern over the findings, stating: "The main goal of this research was to fill a significant gap in the availability of accurate and comprehensive data on oral health in the country. We wanted to clearly demonstrate that oral diseases, including dental caries and gum diseases, are not only the most common diseases in human societies but have also shown an increasing trend in recent years. This highlights the growing importance of focusing on oral health."

Dr. Sha'ei, presenting the findings of this study, which was part of his doctoral dissertation at the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, further noted: "Despite the decrease in the prevalence of edentulism in the Iranian population, the prevalence of dental caries and gum diseases in Iran has significantly increased."

This senior researcher in the field of oral health emphasized the connection between oral health and systemic diseases, stating: "Oral diseases have a direct link with many systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers." He stressed that oral health is not limited to the mouth but impacts the entire body. He continued: "In this study, we aimed to provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of the oral health situation in the country by using advanced statistical methods and analyzing extensive data. The results show that we need a fundamental shift in our approach to oral health. We must consider oral health as an inseparable part of public health and plan for its improvement."

This expert in social medicine further stated: "Throughout the course of this research, we encountered multiple challenges, including a lack of accurate and comprehensive data, budget constraints, and the migration of specialized personnel. However, through the hard work and dedication of the research team, the study was completed, and its findings can serve as a reliable reference for policymakers, doctors, and the public."

Dr. Sha'ei expressed hope that by continuing this research, they would be able to develop predictive models for the future state of oral health, based on which effective interventions for improving oral health could be designed.

He added: "We want to use this data to create an oral health profile for each province in the country and evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions. We also aim to estimate the economic costs associated with these oral diseases by calculating their burden."

This volunteer dentist, with extensive experience in voluntary services, including at the Kahrizak nursing home, highlighted the message of the study for society, saying: "The results of this research show that oral health, as a crucial and vital issue, must be seriously addressed. People must prevent oral diseases by maintaining oral hygiene and regularly visiting a dentist. Furthermore, policymakers must develop comprehensive, evidence-based programs to improve the state of oral health in the country."