A healthy smile is more than appearance — it reflects a nation’s wellbeing, productivity, and quality of life. Yet, despite rising dental issues globally, many still treat oral health as an afterthought.
Oral health issues: A silent crisis beyond the smile
The stake for dental health is beyond just a smile, but could be the crumble of a nation when not properly taken care of. According to the paper titled “The Economic Consequences of Oral Disorders at Global, Regional, and National Levels”, published in BMC Oral Health in 2025, oral diseases continue to impose a major global health and economic burden.
The study highlighted that untreated dental caries in permanent teeth remain one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. Globally, an estimated 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases, while severe periodontal disease affects around 1 billion people.
Researchers also noted that 60 to 90 per cent of school-aged children worldwide experience dental caries, making it one of the most common chronic conditions among children. The paper further emphasised that oral diseases are not just health concerns but also major economic issues affecting productivity and healthcare systems globally.
Sharing further, Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) President Dr Chong Zhen Feng said that dental health issues can lead to missed school or work days, reduced concentration, and lower productivity.
“Our smile is often the first thing people notice. If you’re hiding your teeth or dealing with chronic discomfort, it affects how you show up at work and how you engage with friends. However, just 20 minutes of dental check-up twice a year proves to be a much better ‘investment’ than losing days of work to a major, avoidable procedure later on,” said the dentist.
No pain, no problem
Dental health care often does not receive the same attention as other health issues. Dr Chong opined that patients do not see or feel the early warning signs of cavities until they become an issue.
“People don’t see it as urgent until it disrupts their sleep or work. We need to flip that mindset — showing that a healthy smile is just as vital to your lifestyle as physical fitness or a good diet.”
Sharing a statistic, Dr Chong revealed that 71 per cent of preschoolers are affected by cavities, with concerns often stemming from poor habits.
“Childhood habits are highly influential. Poor oral hygiene and dietary patterns established early often persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of chronic dental issues.”
Adding on, he said that parenting practices, dietary choices, and awareness levels are closely linked. Hence, addressing the issue requires a holistic approach that supports parents with the right knowledge, encourages healthier dietary habits, and strengthens nationwide education efforts.
With good habits and regular check-ups, long-term oral health problems can be significantly reduced, said Dr Chong. He described pain as a late-stage symptom.
“By the time it hurts, the treatment is often more complex. Early detection is key, and we strongly encourage Malaysians to attend regular check-ups,” he said.
In advising good oral habits from a young age, Dr Chong urged all parents to start as soon as the first tooth erupts. This is not just about cleaning, but also to familiarise the child with the experience. In return, the child will make dental care a positive and lifelong habit rather than a scary event.
“Parents play a critical role in establishing daily habits, while schools reinforce these behaviours through structured programmes and education.”
“Equally important is introducing early dental check-ups, so children develop the habit of preventive care from a young age. Together, they form the foundation for lifelong oral health practices,” he added.
A nation’s silent crisis
Although it can be a burden, dental health often sits at the bottom of the priority list. It is often dismissed as “as long as there is no major pain, there is no problem”. However, it has long been proven that a little goes a long way.
Dr Chong added that oral health is deeply tied to general wellbeing, yet many still treat the dentist as a “last resort” for pain rather than a partner in health. Among the key challenges MDA has seen are high rates of cavities, low preventive awareness, and access disparities, particularly in certain regions.
Nevertheless, MDA has been working hard to bridge the gap between oral health care and pressing dental issues.
“We are working hard to change that by bringing care directly to people, making sure early screening is a normal, accessible part of community life so it’s no longer a ‘silent’ issue.”
He further commented that, although infrastructure and general awareness have improved, whereby people know that oral health matters, the real challenge remains behaviour change.
“Knowing it matters and actually making that appointment are two different things. That’s why expanding preventive outreach is so critical.”
As a dental caregiver, Dr Chong emphasised the importance of collaborating with partners like dental care brand Colgate to bring free check-ups and physical hubs directly into communities.
Apart from that, there are also many community-based initiatives such as mobile and pop-up clinics and dental outreach programmes. With these initiatives, he said, many are willing to take the first step towards early detection, which is the needed momentum to see a real national shift.
“We need stronger emphasis on prevention, greater public education, and more accessible care. Public-private partnerships play an important role here. For example, collaborations that support free dental check-ups and outreach clinics can significantly expand reach and impact,” he added.
Ending the interview, Dr Chong reminded the public not to wait until pain becomes an indicator that something is wrong. He stressed that oral health issues often begin silently, only becoming noticeable once the condition has worsened. With proactive care and regular dental check-ups, he said a healthy smile can last a lifetime — serving not only as a reflection of one’s health, but also of one’s confidence and identity.
