You brush your teeth every day.
But millions in Pakistan are still living with untreated oral disease — often without even realizing it.
This is not just a health issue anymore.
It is a silent epidemic — growing, spreading, and largely ignored.
As part of WOHD 2026: Pakistan’s Oral Health Reality Check, some of the country’s most respected dental experts have come forward with a unified, urgent warning:
→ The crisis is already here
→ And the response is nowhere near enough
⚠️ A crisis we’ve normalized
Oral diseases remain among the most widespread — yet most overlooked — health conditions in Pakistan, quietly affecting millions across all age groups.
Setting the tone for this urgent conversation, Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, Principal at Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, reframes how we should think about oral health altogether:
“A healthy mouth is the essential gateway to a healthy body. It is often overlooked, but oral health is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being and quality of life.”
He warns that neglecting oral health is not a minor oversight — it carries systemic consequences:
“Neglecting our dental care doesn’t just affect our smiles; it has profound implications for systemic health — influencing everything from heart health to metabolic stability.”
And perhaps most importantly, he identifies the real gap:
“The challenge is not just awareness — it is action. Simple, consistent habits like brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups are not routine tasks; they are long-term investments in our health, confidence, and longevity.”
⚠️ A reality too big to ignore
Building on that foundation, Prof. Dr. Syed Hussain Askary, CEO and Head of Community Dentistry at Fatima Jinnah Dental College, lays out the scale of the crisis in stark terms:
“Oral health is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health.”
He describes oral diseases as a “silent epidemic” — not because they are rare, but because they are normalized:
“The mouth is the gateway to the body, and the health of our smiles reflects the health of our communities. Yet oral diseases remain among the most widespread and preventable conditions globally, silently affecting billions and placing a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.”
He expands the consequences beyond clinical symptoms:
• Impaired nutrition
• Reduced productivity
• Compromised systemic health
• Loss of dignity and confidence
“If we truly aspire to build healthier societies, we must begin where health begins — in the mouth.”
⚠️ The number that should shake you
Nearly 60% of Pakistan’s population suffers from dental caries.
That is not just alarming — it is a signal of systemic failure.
Prof. Dr. Nasir Ali Khan, Dean Faculty of Dentistry and Allied Sciences at KMDC KMU, explains:
“These figures reflect serious gaps in awareness, preventive practices, and access to dental care. Despite the burden being largely preventable, the response remains fragmented and inconsistent.”
He highlights the underlying drivers:
• Limited public awareness
• Weak preventive culture
• Delayed diagnosis
• Socioeconomic and access barriers
But his message also carries a deeper cultural and spiritual dimension:
“Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness and personal hygiene. The regular use of Miswak, as encouraged by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), reminds us that oral hygiene is not just a medical necessity — it is also a spiritual responsibility.”
And yet, despite this guidance:
→ Preventive habits remain inconsistent
→ Awareness does not always translate into action
⚠️ Why awareness alone isn’t enough
There is a widespread belief:
→ If you brush daily, you’re doing enough.
But experts say this mindset is dangerously incomplete.
Dr. Wajiha Anzar, Assistant Professor at Fatima Jinnah Dental College, emphasizes:
“Prevention, awareness, and equitable access to care are the foundation of reducing the global burden of oral diseases.”
She expands on what meaningful prevention actually looks like:
• Community-level education
• Regular dental screenings
• Early detection and intervention
• Lifestyle and dietary awareness
“Through consistent preventive strategies and early action, we can significantly reduce disease burden and build healthier communities.”
Her message reframes the issue clearly:
→ The problem is not lack of knowledge
→ It is lack of implementation
The danger your mouth may already be signaling
One of the most overlooked realities in healthcare:
→ The mouth often reveals disease before the rest of the body does.
Prof. Dr. Afifa Razi, Professor and Head of Oral Medicine and Diagnosis at Ziauddin University, highlights:
“The oral cavity often presents the first signs of systemic diseases and potentially malignant disorders, making early recognition essential.”
In high-risk populations — particularly with areca nut and tobacco use — early signs like:
• Oral submucous fibrosis
• Non-healing ulcers
• can escalate into serious, life-threatening conditions if ignored.
“Strengthening awareness and promoting timely referral can significantly reduce disease burden. Early detection is not optional — it is critical.”
Her message is direct and urgent:
→ Early detection begins in the mouth — but only if we choose to notice it
⚠️ From awareness to action: a national responsibility
At the policy and leadership level, the urgency becomes even more pronounced.
Dr. Khurshid Ahmad, President of the Pakistan Dental Association, brings both national authority and global alignment into focus through the FDI World Dental Federation.
Referencing this year’s theme — “A Happy Mouth Is… A Happy Life” — he expands its real meaning:
“Oral health is fundamental to our comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. It is not a luxury — it is an essential part of general health and human dignity.”
He stresses that Pakistan must align with global priorities:
• Preventive care
• Public awareness
• Equitable access to services
“Small daily habits — proper brushing, healthy diet, and regular dental checkups — create lifelong benefits. But at an institutional level, we must strengthen healthcare systems, encourage research, and adopt modern technologies that improve patient care.”
His call is systemic and collective:
“Dental institutions, policymakers, practitioners, and students must work together to ensure oral health is recognized as a national priority — so every citizen can live with confidence, dignity, and well-being.”
⚠️ The way forward — simple, but ignored
Despite the scale of the crisis, the solutions remain clear:
• Brushing twice daily
• Reducing sugar intake
• Regular dental visits
• Early diagnosis and intervention
But the real shift is behavioral:
→ From neglect to awareness
→ From awareness to action
→ From treatment to prevention
⚠️ The bigger picture
This is not just about oral hygiene.
It is about:
• Public health
• Economic burden
• Social confidence
• National productivity
And ultimately:
→ Quality of life
⚠️ The takeaway
Pakistan is not approaching an oral health crisis.
→ It is already living through one.
And as the country’s leading dental experts are now making clear:
What we ignore today… may define our health tomorrow.
Stay informed, stay ahead
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