The burden of periodontal disease in Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Vietnam): A call to action

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a leading form of oral disease, and its impact extends beyond the mouth due to independent associations with several systemic diseases. Despite being largely preventable, periodontitis is projected to affect over 1.5 billion people by 2050. Southeast Asia has one of the highest incidences of oral and periodontal disease worldwide and will continue to be disproportionately affected unless steps are taken to address it. Here we provide an overview of the burden of periodontitis in Southeast Asia, focusing on Vietnam and Indonesia within a global context. We highlight opportunities and benefits of preventive and holistic action and outline recommendations for policymakers. DATA AND SOURCES: Data were drawn from the Global Burden of Disease Study, World Health Organization reports/action plans, national oral health surveys, peer-reviewed literature on periodontal disease pathophysiology and management, and country-specific health profiles and policy documents. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis represents a significant and growing public health challenge in Vietnam and Indonesia, exacerbated by high sugar consumption, disparities in access to care, and low oral health literacy. Healthcare policies in both countries currently do not prioritize prevention and integration of management strategies to the same degree as other non-communicable diseases. This is an opportunity to establish nationwide, coordinated approaches between professionals and governments for successful, long-lasting strategies that reduce the burden of periodontitis and improve the health of current and future generations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Coordinated nationwide strategies can mitigate the growing oral disease burden and its systemic health implications in Vietnam and Indonesia.

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