Oral diseases contribute significantly to the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) burden, with untreated dental caries (tooth decay) affecting approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide. Additionally, oral cancer ranks among the ten most common cancers, and periodontal disease (gum disease) affects up to 50% of the global population.
Poor oral health can negatively impact an individual's self-esteem and quality of life, as toothaches, mouth sores, bad breath, and other oral issues often cause discomfort and embarrassment. Moreover, oral health is closely linked to general health, with poor oral health being both a result and cause of poor overall health.
The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...