The impact of climate change on paediatric dentistry

Abstract

The effects of global warming and climate change are happening at a faster rate than expected, and they are going to get worse. Global climate change has already started to show the effects on environment-fast melting glaciers, accelerated sea level rise and base shifting of native flora and fauna. There has been an increase in temperature globally with a few countries already showing intense heat waves and extreme cold temperatures. The interrelation between dentistry, environmental impact and human health is still in its nascent stage, but studies in medicine show that the healthcare industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, poor air quality, food and water insecurity, extreme weather events and vector-borne illnesses. The concept of eco-friendly dentistry has evolved in this context for providing environmentally feasible dental solutions. Paediatric dentistry is no exception. The concept of prevention has to be promoted more in paediatric dentistry to provide a positive impact on environment. The prevention of oral diseases will lead to less travel to paediatric dental clinics, less use of dental materials, lesser energy usage, minimal use of single-use plastics and less use of nitrous oxide/general anaesthesia for behaviour management. The greenhouse gases have an effect on teeth of children in relation to early childhood caries (ECC). Here, we discuss the impact of climate change on paediatric dentistry and what changes can be made to provide environment-friendly solutions.