Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future

Striving for a Cavity-Free Future

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ACFF is a global charity working collaboratively with international partners to prevent and reduce dental caries (tooth decay).

By bringing together stakeholders from across borders and sectors, ACFF strives for a Cavity-Free Future across the lifecourse worldwide whilst improving overall health.

Find out more

What is dental caries?

Dental caries (also known as tooth decay) is the most prevalent non-communicable disease (NCD) in the world. It is a chronic disease, which afflicts people of all ages, and follows sufferers throughout their lifecourse.

It is estimated that more than 2.3 billion people globally suffer from caries of permanent teeth, with a further 530 million children suffering from caries of primary teeth. In 2015, it was estimated that dental caries accounted for $245 billion global economic burden.

The consequences of untreated caries extend beyond physical discomfort. They can lead to pain, cavities, infection, tooth loss, and impaired chewing, which in turn affects nutrition, speech, school performance, work productivity, and overall quality of life.

Dental Caries and Overall Health

ACFF sees the fight against the initiation and progression of dental caries (across the lifecourse) as part of the overall fight for better oral and whole-body health. By reducing the initiation and progression of dental caries it will:

Reduce the inequitable burden of caries
Improve oral health
Improve overall health

ACFF Annual Review

Our latest Annual Review is available to view here with an introduction from our Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nigel Pitts and insights into the activities and achievements of our Chapters across the globe as well as our overall impact in affecting change for a cavity-free future for all.

Read the Annual Review

Chapters

An ACFF Chapter is a group of committed volunteers from one or two countries from around the world who design and implement locally applicable projects to fight against cavities in their countries.

Chapters are facilitated by ACFF Global but are run by local teams of dental and public health professionals/educators; committed to achieving the goals of ACFF.

ACFF Chapters