Oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions, notably dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, orofacial trauma, oral manifestations of HIV infection, birth defects, and noma in the WHO African Region. While largely preventable, oral diseases are the most common diseases globally and regionally, affecting an estimated 480 million people (43.7%) in the WHO African Region in 2019.
Oral diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. People of low socioeconomic status carry a higher burden of oral diseases and this association remains across the life course, from early childhood to older age, regardless of countries' overall income level.
Access to oral health services is uneven within and among countries. The availability of oral health services is not aligned with the needs of the population. Those with the greatest need often have the least access to services.