# Global Burden of Oral Disorders in Adults Aged ≥65, 1990 to 2021: A Systematic Analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

## TL;DR

This study analyzed the global burden of oral disorders in adults over 65 from 1990 to 2021, finding rising case counts and persistent inequalities.

## Contribution

The study provides updated global trends and projections for oral disorders in older adults, emphasizing socioeconomic disparities.

## Key findings

- Absolute case counts for oral diseases increased by 112%-142% from 1990 to 2021.
- Age-standardized disability rates for periodontal diseases and lip/oral cavity cancer remained stagnant.
- Projections show a growing burden of oral disorders among older populations by 2035.

## Abstract

This study aimed to examine the global burden, trends, and socioeconomic inequalities associated with oral disorders in adults aged 65 years and older from 1990 to 2021, and to project future trends to inform targeted public health strategies.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined age-standardized DALY rates for oral conditions. Analytical methods included Joinpoint regression (for trend analysis), the slope index of inequality and concentration index(for inequality assessment), frontier analysis (for efficiency assessment), and autoregressive integrated moving average modelling (to project trends through 2035).

Absolute case counts for all oral diseases increased significantly (by 112%-142%) from 1990 to 2021. Although age-standardized disability rates declined for edentulism, dental caries, and other oral disorders, they remained stagnant for periodontal diseases and lip/oral cavity cancer. Socioeconomic disparities persisted or even widened, with disease-specific patterns. Projections to 2035 indicate a growing burden among older populations, highlighting an urgent need for equitable and targeted public health interventions.