For the first time, October 16 will be celebrated as World Endodontic Day by dentists to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural teeth from root canal infections and extractions. This campaign also aims to highlight the need for government and healthcare planners to prioritize oral health as an integral part of the national healthcare mission.
Details of this campaign were shared by the former president of the Dental Council of India. While the public is generally aware of dental caries or tooth decay as a common issue affecting the oral cavity, few realize that untreated dental caries can progress over months to a year, leading to deeper tooth issues. This progression can cause dental nerve pain and bone infection around the roots, a condition known as Apical Periodontitis (AP).
According to Professor Dr. Gopi Krishna from Chennai, who also serves as Secretary General for the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), “Half of the adult population worldwide have at least one diseased tooth with apical periodontitis (AP).” This statement is supported by findings from a global study, which included more than 40 countries, including India, and was published in the International Endodontic Journal last year.
Dr. Krishna added that surveys conducted in various Indian cities found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of the adult population in India have at least one tooth with apical periodontitis. He emphasized the necessity of a nationwide awareness campaign and concerted efforts to reduce the prevalence of this disease. If not addressed, AP could affect every alternate Indian in their lifetime, posing a significant burden on public and government healthcare expenditure.
According to data from the United Nations ESCAP, 68% of the Indian adult population has exceeded one billion individuals. Dr. Ajay Logani, Professor at CDER – AIIMS, New Delhi, pointed out that the prevalence of dental caries in the Indian adult population has been established at 62%, which is alarmingly high. If dental decay is not treated at an early stage, it can lead to apical periodontitis. He argued that the more sensible long-term dental solution would be to save such teeth through endodontic (root canal therapy) procedures, rather than opting for traditional extractions.
Dr. Anil Kohli, Former President of the Dental Council of India, highlighted the adverse effects of tooth loss. “Loss of teeth leads to improper chewing of food and indigestion, which has a direct correlation with decreased quality of life. Dentists and endodontists are capable of performing a wide range of predictable and scientifically backed root canal therapies, also known as endodontic procedures, that save millions of teeth every year,” he said.
Both IFEA and the Indian Endodontic Society (IES) are spearheading a global campaign to improve awareness about AP through the World Endodontic Day initiative. Prof. Dr. Sanjay Miglani, President of IES, mentioned that a coordinated nationwide program involving more than 100 colleges and institutions across India will take place on October 16 to enhance public awareness of this silent epidemic.
Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Talwar, Former Director – Principal of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences in New Delhi, emphasized that periodic dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are simple yet effective measures to prevent AP and maintain overall oral health. Dr. Vivek Hegde, Former President of IES, further added that World Endodontic Day serves as a crucial opportunity to underscore the need for collective efforts to prioritize oral health in India.
This day aims to bring attention to the silent yet pervasive issue of apical periodontitis and encourage preventative measures and effective treatments to preserve dental health. By making oral health a national priority, the campaign hopes to improve the quality of life for countless individuals and reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems.
