ST Picks: Why is Singapore neglecting dental health?

Teo Yik Ying A survey in 2019 revealed high rates of untreated tooth decay and gum disease among Singaporean adults. A recent report revealed that half of the children in Singapore experience tooth decay by kindergarten age, leading to pain, missed school and even extractions. For a high-income nation renowned for its well-organised health system, this figure is both surprising and alarming.

How is it that Singapore, with robust public health programmes targeting conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, struggles with something as fundamental as children’s dental health? Already a subscriber? Log in Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month $9.90 $9.90/month No contract ST app access on 1 mobile device Subscribe now All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.



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