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
Dentist
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.
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