Nearly 85 per cent of oral health issues can be prevented with proper awareness, timely intervention, and the use of accessible technologies, health experts said on Saturday. Speaking at the three-day 35th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR) in New Delhi, more than 30 national and international keynote speakers highlighted the urgent need for research-driven collaboration across oral and craniofacial sciences.
“Oral diseases may not always be life-threatening, but they silently erode quality of life. Nearly 85 per cent of oral problems are preventable if we combine awareness, preventive research, and affordable technology,” said Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and organising chairman of the conference.
Verma noted that millions of people in both rural and urban India either lack access to dental care or cannot afford it. “Technology and innovation must bridge this gap. As lifestyles change and standards of living rise, wellness cannot be achieved without oral health,” he added. He also urged that oral health receive greater attention in national health planning.
Dental research, experts said, spans multiple areas including regenerative therapies, revitalising dead tissues, material sciences, and public health approaches.
The conference also highlighted the early impact of alcohol on oral health. Dr. Aswini Y.B. of the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences explained that the harmful effects begin with the first sip. “Alcohol dries out the mouth’s protective mucosa, weakening it and triggering painful blisters. This dryness increases susceptibility to infections,” she said.
Dr. Aswini added that alcohol reduces saliva flow, the mouth’s natural cleansing system. “With reduced saliva, harmful bacteria thrive, infections spread faster, and over time, the risk of oral cancer rises,” she warned. The dentist further cautioned that combining alcohol and tobacco multiplies the risk of serious oral diseases, including cancers—a practice she said remains widespread in India.
Experts emphasised that oral health protection requires more than brushing twice daily. Recognising early warning signs such as persistent dryness, sores, or discomfort, making healthier lifestyle choices, and seeking timely professional care are essential.
The ISDR conference has drawn over 600 delegates, including 150 international participants from 20 countries, underscoring the growing global interest in advancing oral and craniofacial research.