Are we growing teeth while AI takes over?

A global public health challenge

Dental problems are a major public health challenge worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.5 billion people, almost half of the world’s population, suffer from some form of oral disease. The most common of these is dental caries, which affects 60-90% of the adult population, while this rate reaches 60% among school-age children. Periodontal problems are also widespread: around 50% of people over the age of 35 are affected by these diseases, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Of particular concern is that a third of the population over the age of 65 in some regions – including Eastern Europe – are completely edentulous. Dental problems are not isolated phenomena: they are closely linked to a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory problems. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are therefore key elements not only for maintaining dental health, but also for maintaining general health.

80% of Hungarians only visit a dentist when they have a complaint

The dental situation in Hungary is significantly worse than the European average. According to surveys by the National Health Centre and the Hungarian Statistical Office, around 90% of the population is affected by some kind of dental problem. The first signs appear at a young age: 12-year-old children have an average of 2-3 decayed, filled or missing teeth. The attitude of the adult population is also problematic: 80% of them do not participate in regular dental screenings, and only visit a specialist when they have a complaint. This reactive approach often leads to more complex and costly treatments than a prevention-based strategy. Periodontal disease is particularly prevalent in middle-aged and older adults, often leading to tooth loss.