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