Global Burden of Dental Caries and Oral Disorders: A 31-Year Comparative Analysis of Trends in Iran, North Africa and Middle East.

Background: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies highlight oral health as a significant global concern, particularly in regions such as Iran, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study synthesizes GBD data on the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with dental caries and oral disorders to inform targeted interventions aimed at alleviating their burden and improving outcomes in these regions.

Methods: This study employs estimation techniques to comprehensively assess the occurrence and impact of dental caries in deciduous and permanent teeth, along with oral disorders across Iran, MENA, and globally. Data were drawn from the GBD site. We analyzed incidence, prevalence, and DALYs, utilizing disability weights with joinpoint regression models to inform public health interventions.

Results: From 1990 to 2021, global and regional trends in dental caries and oral disorders were examined. Descriptive statistics illustrate significant regional disparities in incidence, prevalence, and DALYs. Globally, the incidence rate of caries in deciduous teeth decreased at an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -0.25% (95% CI: -0.30 to -0.20), while the MENA region and Iran showed AAPCs of -0.57% (-0.65 to -0.49) and -0.08% (-0.15 to -0.01), respectively. These trends highlight both progress and persistent disparities. The models reveal temporal changes in disease burden, with notable declines and fluctuations over time. These findings underscore persistent challenges in oral health, particularly in regions such as Iran and MENA, where socioeconomic conditions and healthcare access vary significantly.

Conclusion: This study underscores considerable regional variation in dental caries and oral disorders, emphasizing ongoing public health challenges. Demographic shifts and reduced sugar intake, influenced by sociopolitical factors like war, have significantly decreased the global burden of oral conditions since 1990. The findings underscore the urgency of integrating oral health into primary care systems, expanding subsidized fluoride programs in rural areas, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to dental access in MENA. Community-driven initiatives, such as school-based screenings and mobile dental clinics, should be prioritized in underserved regions.