Despite being frequently undervalued, oral health is essential to general physical, mental, and social well-being. Millions of lives are impacted by the alarmingly high prevalence of oral diseases in South Africa, which presents a serious public health concern. The effects of untreated dental decay, severe gum disease, and oral cancer go well beyond the mouth and have an impact on mental and emotional well-being.
The mind-mouth connection
There is a strong correlation between mental health and dental health. Inadequate dental care can result in pain, discomfort, social exclusion, and diminished self-esteem, all of which have detrimental effects on mental health. This link emphasises how crucial it is to put dental hygiene first, as it is the foundation of general health. “Oral health is not just about bright smiles and attractive teeth – it is a critical component of overall well-being,” says Macelle Erasmus, Head of Expert at Haleon South Africa.
South Africa’s oral health crisis
The figures are astounding. The South African Dental Association (SADA) reports that 28% of people five years of age and older have decay in their permanent teeth, and 41% of children ages 1 to 9 have untreated tooth decay in their milk teeth. About 25% of people 15 years of age and older have severe gum disease. Furthermore, 1,933 new cases of cancer of the lips and oral cavity were reported in South Africa in 2020.
The lack of access to dental care is even more worrisome. South Africans face major obstacles to receiving preventive and restorative dental care because there are only 1.1 dentists per 10,000 people, which is significantly less than the global average of 3.28. The burden on vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, is made worse by this discrepancy.
A global perspective on oral diseases
Approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, which is more than the combined impact of the five main non-communicable diseases. Dental caries (tooth decay), gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and congenital abnormalities like cleft lip and palate are common conditions. Risk factors for these problems are similar to those for other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including tobacco use, excessive sugar intake, hazardous alcohol use, and inadequate breastfeeding practices.
Particularly in South Africa, more than 60% of elementary school students have dental decay, and more than 80% of them go untreated because of structural issues like an overworked healthcare system. Elderly people are also disproportionately affected; in Johannesburg alone, 85% of people have lost teeth, and one-third of them need dentures.
The cost of neglecting oral Health
Physical discomfort is only one of the negative effects of poor oral health. Secondary diseases, decreased productivity at work or school, social stigma, and exclusion from economic opportunities can result from untreated conditions. According to estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), oral diseases cause significant losses in productivity on a global scale.
Despite its vital role in treating trauma and infectious diseases, oral health is not well integrated into larger healthcare systems, according to South Africa’s National Oral Health Policy and Strategy (2024–2034). A fundamental change in public health priorities is necessary to close this gap. The nation can lessen the strain on its healthcare system and improve the quality of life for its citizens by encouraging preventive care and expanding underprivileged populations’ access to treatment.
“The high prevalence of oral diseases in South Africa reinforces the urgent need for improved oral health education and preventive care,” says Macelle Erasmus, highlighting the urgency.
Simple steps toward better oral hygiene
While systemic changes are needed to address South Africa’s oral health crisis comprehensively, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their own oral hygiene:
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly to remove plaque between teeth.
- Limit sugar intake to reduce the risk of cavities.
- Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Visit a dentist for regular check-ups—even if symptoms aren’t present.
More emphasis should be placed on oral hygiene in South Africa’s public health agenda since it is a vital component of general health and not just a cosmetic issue. With one healthy smile at a time, we can change lives by acknowledging the mind-mouth connection and removing structural obstacles to care.
For more information on South Africa’s oral health statistics: WHO Country Profile, SADA Press Release, MedicalBrief Article.
