Dental care is rarely considered in India, even though it has a profound effect on our overall health. While one’s own doctor is sought after for fever or injury, a toothache or bleeding gums may be neglected—until the pain is intolerable. The statistics prove the point and demonstrate a pressing need to alter our perception of dental issues.
60% of Indians Have Dental Problems
A whopping 60% of Indians are afflicted with some kind of dental problem. Gum disease and tooth decay are the most prevalent, and they’re not only painful—they also interfere with your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
3 Million Children Are Suffering Silently
India has more than 3 million children below the age of 15 with untreated dental conditions. For lack of awareness, access, or even affordability, this is an impending crisis. These can impact their nutrition, school attendance, and overall well-being in the long run if not treated.
Women and Children Are Most Affected
Dental issues don’t discriminate, but 75% of patients seeking dental help are women and children. This trend may reflect a combination of biology, social roles, and delayed treatment due to family priorities.
Village Children Left Behind
In villages, availability of dental clinics is a serious issue. Indeed, 1 in every 4 village children have never gone to a clinic to cure dental issues. This figure indicates a lack of infrastructure as well as education on oral healthcare in underprivileged communities.
Missed School, Missed Opportunities
Kids with a toothache or infection are 4 times more likely to stay home from school. Repeated absences don’t only harm grades—they hurt confidence, social skills, and even future prospects.
Adults Also Put Off Dental Visits
It’s not only children—65% of Indian adults put off dental checkups, waiting until they hurt. By then, what might have been a quick cleaning becomes a root canal or extraction. Preventive care could prevent all that.
Dental Problems Are Increasing
The nation is experiencing a 2x rise in dental problems. Whether caused by dietary changes, increased sugar consumption, or neglected oral care, the trend is alarming and must be confronted with urgency.
90% Don’t Visit the Dentist
Maybe the most alarming stat: 90% of individuals don’t visit their dentist unless something’s already wrong. The “wait-until-it-hurts” attitude is one of the greatest hindrances to enhancing national oral health.
What Can You Do?
- Plan Regular Checkups – Don’t wait for pain.
- Educate Your Family – Children and elderly relatives, in particular.
- Support Local Clinics – Help promote awareness in rural communities.
- Prioritize Preventive Care – A cleaning today might save you a root canal tomorrow.
Partner with Sky Dental
Sky Dental is committed to revolutionizing the way India approaches dental care. We know prevention is better than cure, and that everyone—no matter your age or location—deserves a healthy smile.
Schedule your dental checkup today.
Source: Indian Dental Association (IDA) and Ministry of Health Reports