Global, Regional and National Burden of Edentulism and Periodontal Diseases from 1990 to 2021: Analysis of Risk Factors and Prediction of Trends in 2050.

Background/aim: Periodontal diseases and edentulism remain a prevalent and disabling oral health condition worldwide, with significant regional disparities. This study systematically evaluated the burden of periodontal disease and edentulism at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021, using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 framework.

Patients and methods: We analyzed trends in incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD), exploring their associations with the socio-demographic index (SDI) and other risk factors.

Results: The findings reveal considerable variations across SDI regions, with low and low-middle SDI regions experiencing the highest burden. In 2021, the global prevalence of periodontal diseases reached approximately 1.07 billion cases, and the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates varied significantly by SDI levels. The burden of periodontal disease showed an increasing trend among middle-aged and elderly populations. While sex differences were present in both edentulism and periodontal diseases, they were relatively minor. ARIMA model projections indicate that the burden of edentulism will fluctuate by 2050, while the burden of periodontal diseases will remain stable.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly in resource-limited regions, to improve access to oral healthcare and integrate preventive strategies into broader health initiatives.