Oral health

Oral health refers to the overall health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire oral cavity. It is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being, emphasizing the absence of active disease in the mouth and the maintenance of the functional aspects of the oral environment.

Dental surgery aboard USS Eisenhower, January 1990

Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A Navy officer performs an oral examination.

Dentistry

Oral Health Promotion in Nepal, cooperation students

Importance of Oral Health

Oral health is crucial for maintaining general health and quality of life. It affects not only the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, but also plays a significant role in self-esteem and social interaction. Poor oral health has been linked to various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness, highlighting the connection between oral health and systemic health.

Common Oral Diseases and Conditions

• Dental caries (Tooth Decay): Caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
• Periodontal disease (Gum Disease): Infections of the structures around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
• Oral cancer: Includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
• Dental erosion: The loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack from foods and drinks.
• Halitosis (Bad Breath): Can be caused by certain foods, poor oral hygiene, diseases, or other factors.

Preventive Care and Treatment

Preventive care is crucial for maintaining oral health and includes regular dental check-ups, brushing, and flossing. Treatments for oral health conditions vary depending on the disease, ranging from fillings and restorations for dental caries to more complex procedures like root canals, periodontal therapy, or oral surgery.

Oral Health and Nutrition

Nutrition plays a significant role in oral health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help prevent dental caries and gum disease, while sugary and acidic foods and beverages should be limited to protect against tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline.
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacterial plaque.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Glossary

• Dental caries: The scientific term for tooth decay or cavities.
• Periodontal disease: A set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth.
• Enamel: The hard, outer surface layer of the teeth that protects them from decay.
• Plaque: A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
• Halitosis: Clinical term for bad breath.
• Fluoride: A mineral that helps prevent caries and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease.
• Root canal: A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
• Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, causing inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
• Oral cancer: Cancer that develops in any part of the mouth.
• Dentition: The development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth.
• Xerostomia: Dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow.

Oral health Resources
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