India, Feb. 26 -- India's oral health crisis is the world's largest silent epidemic. Dental caries affects 52% of children between the ages of 3 and 18, with early childhood caries alone reaching a pooled prevalence of 46.9% in children under six. In some Indian cities, post-pandemic surveillance has recorded caries in nearly 64% of children aged 3-5. Pit and fissure caries - the most preventable form - accounts for 80 to 90% of all cavities in permanent posterior teeth. The total economic burden: Rs 613 billion annually, in lost productivity, treatment costs, and missed school days. And yet India's Ministry of Health allocated no funds specifically earmarked for oral health in its 2023 budget.

Prevention is not failing India because the...