Impact of Global Warming on Oral Health

Abstract

Energy of the sun not only warms the earth but much of that energy departs back into space, also, some is held within the atmosphere by greenhouse gases. In view of the facts related to human activities, emission of greenhouse gases have increased and led to rise in global temperature than normal, extreme weather changes, melting of glaciers leading to rising sea levels, droughts or flooding etc. Such drastic changes may lead to major health risks by way of heat waves, polluted or poor air quality, food/water scarcity, communicable illnesses, social implications etc. Global warming affects the lives of people belonging to a particular geographical area and affects their general health significantly. It also has a significant impact on oral health. Oral precancerous conditions and oral cancer are increasing amongst the Indian sub-continent population. Epidemiological evaluation & preparedness to manage health burden rising due to global warming needs to be reinforced. Oral health education, its promotion, preventive programs, different awareness campaigns or drives need to be emphasized to target high risk populations.