Geographical Disparities and Socioeconomic Determinants of Untreated Dental Caries in Permanent Teeth Across Asia, 1990–2019: A Retrospective Population‐Based Burden Analysis

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the trends of untreated caries in permanent teeth in Asia over the past 30 years, identify high-risk groups and areas of high prevalence, and explore strategies to mitigate this disease burden. Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Database. The incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized YLD rate (ASYR) were analyzed. Spatial and temporal distributions of untreated caries in permanent teeth were also determined. Results: For Asia, the crude incidence, prevalence, and YLDs showed increasing trends; ASIR remained constant; and ASPR and ASYR demonstrated decreasing trends. In 2019, the incidence and prevalence of untreated caries in permanent teeth peaked in the 20-24-year age group. The spatial "hot spots" for ASIR were South and East Asia, whereas the "cold spots" were West and Central Asia. The hot spots for ASPR and ASYR were in West Asia, whereas the cold spots were in East Asia. Conclusions: Untreated caries in permanent teeth demonstrated significant geographical and demographic differences in Asia, revealing a relevant public health challenge. Intervention strategies based on dynamic changes are required to reduce the burden of dental caries in this region.