ORAL health is the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to
perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking and encompasses psychosocial
dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialise and work without pain,
discomfort and embarrassment.
Oral health varies over the life course from early life to old age, is integral to general health and
supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential.
Oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries (cavities),
periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, orodental trauma, noma and birth defects such
as cleft lip and palate. Oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases
worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people.
While the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, particularly in low- and middle-
income countries, the overall burden of oral health conditions on services is likely to keep
increasing because of population growth and ageing.
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, and regardless of the country’s overall
income level.
The World Health Organisation released a new global guideline, Environmentally friendly and less
invasive oral health care for preventing and managing dental caries.
The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to support countries in preventing and
managing dental caries through environmentally sustainable and less invasive approaches that
promote patient safety, quality of care and environmental protection.
The guideline presents a comprehensive package of safe, effective and mercury-free clinical
interventions, reflecting the latest scientific evidence on prevention, non-invasive care and
minimally invasive management of dental caries.
Dental caries is the most common non-communicable disease globally, affecting an estimated 2.7
billion people.
The disease often begins in early childhood and disproportionately affects underserved populations.
Historically, management of dental caries has relied heavily on restorative treatment using dental
amalgam, which contains mercury and poses risks to human health and the environment.
The guideline advances the implementation of the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–
2030, which calls for all countries to ensure access to essential, promotive, preventive and curative
oral health services as part of universal health coverage.
By prioritizing prevention, scaling up non-invasive and minimally invasive interventions, and
supporting the replacement of mercury-containing dental amalgam with safe, affordable
alternatives, the guideline pro-vides a strong technical foundation for integrated essential oral
health services into primary health care.
The recommendations further align oral health care with broader global commitments on climate
action and sustainable development goals, promoting environmentally sustainable approaches
within health systems.
The guideline provides eight recommendations and two best practice statements, supported by
robust evidence that includes systematic reviews on clinical performance, toxicology, cost-
effectiveness and environmental impact. Key areas of focus include:
Population-wide preventive interventions, including a strong recommendation for fluoride varnish,
and tar-geted interventions such as pit and fissure sealants for children at high risk of caries.
Non-invasive management, such as fluoride varnish for initial caries lesions and biannual silver
diamine fluo-ride to stop moderate caries lesions,
mercury-free restorations, with guidance on the use of glass ionomer cements and resin-based
composites.
Safety requirements with protocols for handling resin-based materials to protect patients and
health person-nel.
Special considerations for vulnerable groups, including individuals with allergies and limiting BPA
(bisphenol A) derivative products among children, adolescents and pregnant or breastfeeding
women.
Source-WHO
