Oral health is fundamental to lifelong well-being and confidence in interacting and socializing in the communities, yet it remains one of the major public health challenges worldwide. Every year on March 20, World Oral Health Day serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness and prioritize oral health.
This year, Mongolia marked the occasion with the National Meeting “Healthy teeth – Healthy future”, held under the auspice of the President of Mongolia. The event bringing together policymakers, health experts, and educators is an important step forward for improving oral health in the country.
A growing health challenge
Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide—nearly half of the global population. These conditions disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, reflecting broader social and economic inequalities. As the population grows and ages, the overall burden of oral health issues and the demand for dental services are expected to rise.
According to the WHO Global Oral Health Status report 2022, Mongolia faces high rates of oral health issues:
- 47.3% of children aged 1-9 years is estimated to suffer from caries of their deciduous teeth (milk teeth), the fourth highest rate in the Western Pacific Region.
- 37.6% of people aged 60 years and older have suffered from edentulism or lost their teeth, the second highest rate in the region.
- The regional average stands at 46.2% for caries in deciduous teeth and 26.3% for edentulism.
The primary causes of these oral health issues include high sugar consumption, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Without urgent intervention, these risk factors will continue to fuel poor oral health outcomes in countries.
Oral health as a priority for a healthy future
In 2021, Member States of WHO Western Pacific Region approved a historic Regional resolution on oral health, advocating for its inclusion in the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agendas. This resolution acknowledged the global impact of oral diseases and their connections to other health conditions. In 2022, WHO adopted a Global Strategy on Oral Health, followed by the Global Oral Health Action Plan for 2023-2030 which outlines 100 action-oriented interventions aimed at improving global oral health.
In August 2023, the Government of Mongolia approved a Resolution on Oral Health, setting the stage for long-term action. This was followed in January 2024 by the launch of the comprehensive National action plan “Healthy Teeth” for 2024-2027, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Science.
The education sector plays a crucial role in shaping healthy habits from an early age. Children spend a majority of daytime at school and kindergartens, where they learn and develop foundational habits including healthy practices and life skills. Oral health education in preschool and school environments is key to improving knowledge and instilling lifelong oral hygiene practices. It needs to be mandated in the school curriculum to promote lifelong healthy habits and prevent dental problems.
In 2024, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and the Capital city Dental and Maxillofacial Center and Health and Education Departments of provinces, launched targeted activities to enhance dental and oral health education for school children in five western provinces - Gobi-Altai, Bayankhongor, Uvs, Khovd and Zavkhan.
As part of this initiative, interactive training sessions, school-based oral health activities, and toothbrushing competitions were organized, engaging 1 000 students aged 9-12 years. The efforts have already shown positive results in raising awareness and encouraging oral health habits.
Next steps
Ensuring universal access to oral health requires the integration of oral health promotion and care into primary health care and UHC benefit packages. By embedding oral health within Mongolia’s broader health strategy, the country can significantly reduce the burden of oral diseases and improve overall well-being.
WHO remains committed to supporting and working with the Government of Mongolia and its partners to achieve national and global oral health targets. With strong leadership, commitment, and sustained investment, Mongolia can pave the way for a future where preventable and treatable oral diseases no longer impact the health and quality of life of its people.