Research suggests over half of UK adults will have dental disease by 2050

In 2024, oral diseases such as gum disease or tooth decay are among the most widespread chronic diseases in the world, estimated to affect 3.5 billion people.

This is problematic in a number of ways. Untreated oral conditions can result in pain, infection or even possible teeth loss, while gum disease is also linked to other diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Deploying advanced modelling techniques, researchers from Cape Western Reserve University and the University of Greenwich conducted a study mapping out what the future of oral health could look like over the next 25 years. Drawing on 2009 data from the Adult Dental Health Survey, the team produced a simulation model that used complex equations to predict patterns of gum disease and tooth decay.

Based on these projections, the overall number of cases of gum disease in the UK is expected to increase from 42% of the population to 54% by 2050.

The study did not explore the deeper question of what is causing this increase, although it has been attributed to poor oral hygiene, inadequate dental care access and poverty. It did, however, indicate that more government intervention may be needed in providing additional services to meet the demands of an ageing population vulnerable to deteriorating oral health.

If you are based in Cheshire and concerned about longer-term gum disease, and whether you might need dental implants in Chester, book an appointment with Art of Dental Care today.