The State of Oral Health in Malta

While there’s no up-to-date, nationwide data readily available, we can still look at trends and general consensus. A common observation is that many dental problems could be prevented by regular checkups. Early intervention is key, even if you feel like there isn’t much wrong.

These practices are especially effective when introduced from a young age. A study conducted in 2021 examined the effectiveness of school-based oral health programmes in improving behaviour, oral hygiene, and eating habits among children and young adults with special needs in Malta.

In addition to highlighting the unique oral health needs for differently abled people, the study suggested that targeted education can positively influence oral hygiene and dietary choices.

Beyond education, systemic barriers to dental care can also be a challenge for some demographics. A separate study from 2015 into residential care homes examined 278 adults with a mean age of 83.5 years.

The study found that although man participants were reported as having a reasonable quality of life in relation to oral health, clinical assessments still revealed widespread poor oral health and disease. 

There’s no denying that high levels of tooth wear, be it from acidic drinks, smoking or bad dietary habits, are significantly associated with lower quality of life. And that’s only part of the picture.

We’ve barely scratched the surface and haven’t even touched on socio-economic backgrounds. Furthermore, even with good oral hygiene, genetics plays a major role. Conditions like overbites, underbites, and enamel weakness are often inherited and can affect both comfort and self-esteem.

The first step is always to speak with your dentist and book a consultation. Any dental clinic in Malta — such as Demajo Dental Clinic — can provide assessments to help patients explore suitable treatment options. Whether it’s correcting alignment issues or restoring worn teeth, the right care can support both oral health and overall well-being.