This awareness article is shared by scanO – presenting the 2024 India Dental report, which highlights alarming insights into India’s oral health based on the AI-dental screening company’s platform research.
Findings reveal that the average Indian suffers from six dental diseases, with dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and attrition (46%) being the most common issues. These findings highlight significant gaps in preventive care and serve as a calling for immediate action to address the country’s growing oral health crisis.
Indians grapple with six dental diseases on average: India’s 2024 scanO dental recap
64% of Indians Struggle with Stains, 48% Face Tooth Decay, and 46% Experience Attrition
India, January 22, 2025 – scanO, India’s leading AI-powered dentistry ecosystem, today released its India Dental Report for 2024. Based on platform data collected over the past year, the report highlights key oral health trends, revealing that the average Indian faces six dental diseases. The report identifies dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and tooth attrition (46%) as the most prevalent oral health issues across the country. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have the highest recorded cases, painting a concerning picture of the nation’s oral health.
64% of Indians Affected by Dental Stains
The report shows that 64% of Indians are grappling with dental stains caused by common dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Tea, coffee, and turmeric-based dishes, staples in the Indian diet, contribute to persistent staining. Smoking and chewing betel nuts further compound the issue.
Urban populations increasingly seek cosmetic dental solutions to address stains, but many in rural and semi-urban areas delay care due to limited access, fear, or lack of awareness.
Tooth Decay Impacts Nearly Half of India’s Population
Tooth decay, affecting 48% of Indians, is identified as the most widespread dental condition. It begins with plaque accumulation in pits and fissures, leading to cavities that often go unnoticed until severe stages. Poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar consumption are primary contributors, particularly among children and young adults. Left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular dental visits.
46% of Indians Experience Tooth Attrition
Attrition affects 46% of individuals, caused by enamel erosion due to dietary habits, stress-induced grinding, and misaligned teeth. Stress-related clenching, particularly in urban areas, is a growing contributor to this condition. Attrition often progresses silently, leading to sensitivity and shortened teeth. Severe cases can result in chronic pain and long-term damage if not addressed early.
“India’s oral health crisis is a stark reminder of how neglecting prevention can snowball into widespread public health challenges,” said Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder, scanO. “Stains, tooth decay and attrition may seem like surface-level concerns, but they expose systemic gaps that stretch far beyond oral health, affecting productivity and overall quality of life. The road ahead demands a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare—by breaking barriers of accessibility, resistance, and awareness. At scanO, we are unlocking a culture of prevention by leveraging AI diagnostics to bring care directly to people’s fingertips, whether through a mobile app or kiosks at their local dental clinics or in underserved regions. Prevention is the foundation step on which India’s smiles will thrive.”
Here are some tips from Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali to make oral care a daily habit:
(Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder of scanO, on how proper routines and AI-driven solutions like scanO can drive a culture of prevention in India.)
Brush Twice Daily: Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night to keep cavities at bay.
Don’t Skip Flossing: Remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas to prevent gum disease.
Cut Down on Sugar: Minimize sugary snacks and drinks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Say No to Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain your teeth, damage gums, and lead to serious oral health issues.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular check-ups to catch problems early and avoid costly treatments later.
Act Quickly: Don’t ignore signs like sensitivity, discoloration, or bleeding gums—early intervention can save teeth and smiles.
Methodology:
This research is based on data collected through scanO’s AI-powered platform, analyzing responses from 1,76,763 individuals across India between January 2024 and December 2024. The study focused on assessing key trends in oral health, including the prevalence of dental stains, attrition, and related lifestyle factors. Participants were selected from diverse urban and semi-urban regions, ensuring a representative sample of India’s population. scanO’s platform leverages advanced AI diagnostics to provide accurate insights into oral health patterns. All data was anonymized and aggregated to maintain participant confidentiality. scanO adheres to the highest standards of data integrity and employs methodologies aligned with globally recognized research principles, ensuring reliable and actionable findings.
About scanO
scanO is a Pune-based health-tech company redefining preventive oral care through AI-powered innovation. The scanO AI ecosystem comprises three dental care solutions — scanO mobile app; scanO air kiosk; and scanO engage app. Collectively, the scanO AI ecosystem effortlessly streamlines dentistry workflows so dentists can focus on delivering holistic, high quality patient-centric outcomes more effortlessly. Since 2018, scanO has performed over 19 lakh scans across India, the UAE, South Africa, and Zambia. As at. Made in India for the world, scanO’s AI-powered technology combines precision and accessibility, empowering clinicians to elevate patient care globally. Committed to transforming oral health, scanO is setting a new standard in prevention, helping communities achieve healthier futures, one scan at a time.
This press release was shared by
Sejal Chavan
Health
Gul(Chewing Tobacco) the Untold Horror Story of Rural Bengal
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The effect of chewing tobacco in women in West Bengal is an observational study.
It’s seen that the habit of Gul chewing is common in districts of Malda and Murshidabad. The effect includes foreign body sensation, persistent ear discharge in those with chronic otitis media, earache, reflux, headache, myalgia, low energy and overall malaise. On examination pallor, submucosal fibrosis, post nasal drip is common. There’s also an association with concurrent betel leaf, areca nut chewing with or without bidi(indigeneous cigarette) making habits.
The Gul habit appears either at a young age in presence of elder women in the family, or past middle ages when the women is a mother-in-law. The most common symptoms is usually that of persistent something stuck in throat syndrome which often causes distress at night especially after a heavy meal of meat and rice. This is often a symptom reported with chronic reflux, early supraglottic malignancy and even globus pharyngis.
While this sounds like an easy enough diagnosis, what I found interesting is in the big cities and Medical College there lacks an awareness about this form of addiction, particularly tobacco chewing. Since our Medical Text books are often reflecting the Western viewpoint, this local habit is missed and rarely asked while taking history.
Let me correct that. I wasn’t trained to ask that since we were not aware women took tobacco in that form. Plus, when I ask “do you have any addictions?” Many times for both men and women it’s no. While I dig deeper I get to know more about tobacco and its impact.
For women
They use Gul for their rotting teeth
They take betel nut,supari for reflux,plus khayer/jarda with varioy forms of liquids mixed with chewable tobacco.
For men
They smoke cigarette few times a day if someone offers (depends on socioeconomic status):
bidi a pack a day .
Alcohol :Only on weekends and special occasion or when feeling low and betel leaf /paan occasionally.
Khaini/Gutkha :If a user,they will say things like I drive, do heavy work so that helps.
I understand .But I also try to sensitize them about – the problem of increasing addictions including the current problem not getting better unless they stop the addictions and invest wholeheartedly in their own health, especially tobacco chewing which is very prevalent.
Hoe to give up chewable tobacco addiction.
Stop .
Visit a registered Psychiatrist for help with de-addiction.
Use a nicotine patch under medical supervision.
Exercise ,go for a run when you feel the urge.
Don’t be around addicts.
It’s never going to be easy giving up,but you have to try.
Reference :
WHO:NO TOBACCO https://healthwealthbridge.com/tobacco-cancer-responsibility/
https://healthwealthbridge.com/truths-about-chewing-tobacco/
https://healthwealthbridge.com/cancer-preventionliving-life-meaningfully
https://healthwealthbridge.com/gulchewing-tobacco-the-untold-horror-story-of-rural-bengal/
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Looking for a Pediatric Dentist?This is what you should know!
Are you looking for a Pediatric Dentist near you?Word of mouth from a patient is probably your best chance of getting a great Pediatric dentist .
Who Is A Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in the treatment of children from infancy through early adulthood and special needs patients.
After receiving their dental degree, they spend an extra 3 years in a training program specifically designed to train them on how to manage children and those with special needs.
Children are not just small adults! Their teeth, brains, physiology, and temperament are very different from adults and pediatric dentists are trained to manage all of those differences.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. When do the Primary Teeth Develop & Erupt?
Primary teeth begin developing between the 6th and 8th week of fetal development. The permanent teeth have begun to form by the 20th week of fetal development. The first primary teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors around 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit be within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by 1 year of age. All 20 baby teeth usually erupt by 3 years of age. Exact sequence of eruption varies slightly depending on the child. All 20 baby teeth will be replaced by a permanent successor.
The permanent teeth begin to erupt around 6 years of age. The first teeth to erupt are usually the 6 year molars (1st molars) and the lower central incisors. The full permanent dentition is 32 teeth, which includes the wisdom teeth (3rd molars).
How Can I Help My Child in a Dental Emergency?
Toothache:
First, rinse the mouth or affected area with warm salt water. If the face is swollen place a cold compress on the area and call your pediatric dentist immediately. Give Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek:
Quickly apply ice to the affected area to help with swelling. Try to control bleeding by applying firm pressure to the affected area. If simple pressure does not control bleeding, it is important to see a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth:
Quickly try and find the tooth. Rinse the tooth with water and try to handle the crown, not the root, of the tooth. DO NOT clean off any tissue that may be still attached to the root. If the tooth does not appear to be fractured and the child is cooperative, try and reinsert the tooth into the socket. Have the child bite on a washcloth or gauze to hold it in place. The tooth can also be transported in “Save a Tooth” solution, child’s own saliva, or milk. Time is critical. The child must see a dentist very quickly for the most favorable outcome.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth:
This is usually not an immediate emergency and examination can be delayed until normal business hours. Usually, no treatment is necessary.
Broken, Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth:
Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Sometimes the fractured tooth can be reattached. If possible, save the fractured piece and bring it in to the dentist.
Chipped or Fractured Primary Tooth:
This is usually not an immediate emergency. Contact your pediatric dentist to schedule an evaluation of the affected area.
Severe Head Injury and/or Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw:
Keep the jaw stable and visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
What is Pulp Therapy / Nerve Treatment?
The pulp (nerve) is the most center part of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves and reparative cells. When the cavity of a tooth is into the nerve or, sometimes even when it is close to the nerve, a “pulpotomy” (nerve treatment) must be completed to maintain the vitality of the tooth. Sometimes, a “pulpectomy” is performed and this is just a more extensive version of the pulpotomy. Either treatment is an effort to maintain the tooth as long as possible.
Once the affected nerve tissue is removed, an antibacterial agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and calm the nerve tissue. The nerve treatment is followed by a permanent restoration, which is usually a stainless steel crown.
What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Pediatric dentists are trained to recognize possible issues with the developing dentition. Early treatment can prevent more extensive dental problems in the future. Some dental malocclusions (bad bites) can be recognized as early as 2-3 years old.
Children have 3 different phases of tooth development. The first phase is all primary (baby) teeth from 2-6 years old. During this time in a child’s life we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated during this phase can have great results and may in some cases prevent need for future orthodontic treatment.
The second phase is called “mixed dentition” and this happens from around 6-12 years of age. This phase has both permanent and primary teeth and begins when the 6 year molars and lower central incisors begin to erupt. Treatment concerns and goals during this time of a child’s life are directed at correcting jaw relationships by redirecting growth and aligning teeth that are excessively out of place. When indicated, treatment during this phase is very successful because the hard and soft tissues are very responsive to orthodontic movement.
The last phase of a child’s dentition is when all adult teeth are present and this is when we make the final decision as to whether or not the child would benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Author :Dr.Amrita Pal
About Dr. Amrita Pal (BDS,MDS-Pediatric Dentistry)
I am a Pediatric as well as General dental surgeon by profession, previously attached to Medical College.
Also read
Does Sugar cause dental caries
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10 Things for Better Lung Health on World Lung day
25th September is World Lung Day.
Every breathe we take, is what helps us breathe in life giving oxygen.I am a big fan of the calming effect of deep slow respiration .
Your lungs will help you do a lot.You may not feel them daily,but as soon as a cough racks your body ,you can feel the lungs wheezing .
When I was in 11 th Standard I suffered from pleural effusion and before I was diagnosed and treated, I had pain during deep inspiration (breathing in) .That was a classic pleuritic pain,a term I found out when I became a doctor.
What you can do to maintain good Lung Health
Avoiding addictions like smoking.
Exercising and walking
Playing outdoors
Breathing in clean air.
Wearing a mask in polluted location.
Having plants in your home garden/balcony helps to clean up indoor air and prevent indoor air pollution.
Avoiding objects,furniture emitting VOC.
Choosing a lead free paint for your home are all great for keeping your lungs healthy.
Taking precautions while visiting anyone with a lung infections .Wearing a mask is advised.
Maintain cough hygiene.
If coughing for more than two weeks ,please visit a doctor.
Tuberculosis is a disease which has its impact not only on the individual but also on the family and community health.In case of blood in sputum,night time fever with cough for more than two weeks a doctors visit is mandatory.
Anyone with HIV ,needs to take even more precautions as Tuberculosis is often coexistence with HIV infection and can be life threatening.
Other than Tuberculosis there are many viral and bacterial causes of lung infection all of which can be accompanied by fever,chest pain, painful breathing,noisy breathing with or without blood in sputum.
Primary Lung cancer and lung metastasis of cancer from other sites need timely intervention.
Asthma needs lifestyle intervention, timely medication and stopping the Allergic march.Taking care of Allergic Rhinitis in childhood on time can prevent developing Asthma later in life.
Tobacco is not your friend in any form .But it’s especially bad for your lungs.Wishing you good health,good luck and good sense.
Reference :
WHO:NO TOBACCO
https://healthwealthbridge.com/tobacco-cancer-responsibility/
https://healthwealthbridge.com/truths-about-chewing-tobacco/
https://healthwealthbridge.com/cancer-preventionliving-life-meaningfullyhttps://healthwealthbridge.com/gulchewing-tobacco-the-untold-horror-story-of-rural-bengal/
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10 Reasons I Walk Everyday (Plus My Book on Walking)
How often do you walk or run?
I love walking .I love chatting and walking too .I like it so much that I bought my first treadmill in 2010 , while planning to have a baby.
You might ask how that’s related?
It’s because I knew that going for long walks was going to be tough with a baby in tow.
I knew I wouldn’t be happy without walking.
I love walking so much my husband designed a treadmill desk to mount on my treadmill to help me keep up with blog, stuff while I strolled.
When I am short of time I take short sprints,that’s when I listen to music on my playlist.That’s a different type of high and I love doing that in the mornings before leaving for work.
I like walking so much,that on dates with my husband I still like going for walks.
I love walking so much I wrote a book about my love for walking and how walking, writing and gardening helped me find my own self.Give it a read. It’s free on Kindle unlimited.
I find walking so helpful that I tell all my patients with reflux disease to go for walks post dinner.
I like walking so much ,that on weekends I would rather walk in the fields with my friends than go for movies or shopping.
I like walking so much ,we look for holiday destination where walking is a bliss.
I love walking so much I dream of walking on the beach.
I like walking so much that I had to write on this prompt ,when I saw it .
10 Reasons I Walk Everyday
Walking is one of the best way to stay fit and maintain good cardiovascular health.
Walking helps me feel calmer .It’s a great way to release those lovely endorphins which are great for my health.
Walking helps me look good .
Walking helps me grow stronger.
Walking helps me sleep better.
Walking helps me in digesting food better and prevent reflux.
Walking helps me keep the weight in control when we are traveling .
Walking helps me find my flow state ,when I do my creative work with ease.I am blogging since 2014 and now currently have 1300 plus blog posts on the blog.Thanks to a large part to my walking habit.
Walking helps me with ideation.I love day dreaming while walking.
Walking helps me feel more controlled and in charge of my health.
Having strong legs means I am ready to walk anywhere.Mobility is crucial as we grow wiser and the birthdays add me.I am happy to report it’s been more than 20 years of my love affair with walking and it’s the reason I am never afraid to walk anywhere!
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk.
Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness.
I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.
But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.”
By Søren Kierkegaard
My new book about the Human body
Human Body for Kids: A Look Inside You (Science for Kids)
