Oral health is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well being (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017). Oral health addresses the structures of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues. Good oral health can prevent disease in the mouth but it can also affect the health of the entire body. Good oral health is more than “pretty teeth” and involves all aspects of the mouth (Office on Women’s Health [OWH], 2012). It affects our ability to speak, smile, eat, and show emotions. It impacts self-esteem, school performance, and attendance at school and work (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015).
Oral diseases are a significant contributing risk factor for the four leading chronic diseases—cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes—and oral disease is often linked to chronic disease (WHO, 2017). In the United States alone, they cause disability for millions of Americans and cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year (CDC, 2015). While other areas of health are seeing great advances, oral health issues (especially in developing countries) can be severe. Consider these key facts (CDC, 2015; Ryan, 2011; WHO, 2017):
- Dental caries (cavities) are still a major oral health problem in most industrialized countries and affect between 60% to 90% of school children and the vast majority of adults.
- Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which can result in tooth loss, is found in 15% to 20% of middle-aged (35-44 years) adults.
- Globally, about 30% of people aged 65-74 have no natural teeth.
- Oral disease in children and adults is higher among poor and disadvantaged population groups.
- In some parts of Africa, pulling teeth can often mean infection and death. For some, a witch doctor may use pliers or break jawbones, or people with a toothache for months or longer may decide to pull their own teeth and end up with an infection that can lead to death.
- More than 70% of the world’s population has no access to basic oral care. For children with a toothache, lack of access to basic oral care can mean the difference between attending school or not.
- Individuals with chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease or stroke, diabetes, emphysema, hepatitis C, HIV, autoimmune disease, liver conditions, or obesity are at high risk for tooth loss or poor oral health.
The most common oral health problems are dental caries (cavities), gum disease, oral cancer, oral infectious disease, trauma from injuries, and hereditary lesions (WHO, 2017).