Global Burden of Oral Diseases in Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 10–24 Years

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to analyse global trends in the burden of oral diseases, including dental caries and noncarious oral diseases (NCODs), in individuals aged 10 to 24 from 1990 to 2021 and project future trends up to 2050.

Methods

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, this trend analysis examines the number, age-standardised rates (ASRs), and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years for oral diseases across different age groups, sexes, social-development index (SDI) levels, regions, and nations. Joinpoint regression was applied to identify key inflection points, while Bayesian modelling was used to project future trends.

Results

Globally, the ASR of oral disease prevalence slightly decreased from 35,408 per 100,000 populations (95% CI: 25,412-47,171) in 1990 to 34,004 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 25,255-44,634) in 2021, with an AAPC of –0.13 (95% CI: –0.16 to –0.10). Dental caries saw a reduction in prevalence and burden, while NCODs increased. Males experienced a faster decline than females, who consistently had higher prevalence and burden. Adolescents aged 10 to 14 years showed the most significant decline. Central Europe experienced the most significant regional reduction, while Greece saw the largest national decline in the prevalence of oral diseases. Higher SDI strata were associated with lower prevalence, with high-SDI countries showing the greatest decline. Projections indicate a slight decrease in prevalence by 2050, with the overall burden remaining unchanged.

Conclusions

Despite the decline in prevalence, the burden of oral diseases remains, highlighting the need for more effective prioritisation of oral health care for adolescents and young adults.

Clinical Significance

The persistent burden of oral diseases and disparities in oral health are evident across different sexes, age groups, SDI levels, regions, and nations. This highlights the ongoing need for increased attention to oral health among adolescents and young adults, particularly for females, older adolescents, and those in low- and middle-income countries.