Oral diseases are caused by a number of modifiable risk factors, such as sugar consumption, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and poor hygiene, and their underlying social and commercial determinants. Gum disease, in particular, is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. In pregnant women, gum disease is also associated with preterm birth and low birth weight 5.The good news is that you can prevent the most common oral diseases in your own home. These diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, oral infectious diseases, and oral cancer.
Although not a disease, per se, oral injuries can be prevented, since they are mostly the result of unsafe conditions, accidents and the social illness of violence. Good oral health allows a person to talk, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions. It is estimated that between 50 and 80 percent of adults live with oral herpes, in a latent or active state, reports Johns Hopkins Medicine. This means that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral infections, gum disease, and periodontitis.
Regardless of age, oral health is vital to a person's overall health, quality of life, and psychosocial well-being. An estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). Other oral diseases can result from tobacco use, unhealthy diets (especially those with high sugar content), violence, and other harmful lifestyles. Paying attention to your oral care and knowing what may result from improper oral care can positively affect your overall well-being.
Despite following good oral hygiene practices and making other healthy lifestyle choices, the American Academy of Periodontology says that up to 30% of Americans are more likely to get gum disease because of their genes. Some oral diseases can be prevented by practicing good daily oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental exams, and avoiding certain behaviors. Good oral health is especially important for groups such as children, pregnant women and older adults. The best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a good oral hygiene program, one that starts early and practices consistently throughout life.
Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, talk and chew. Clinically known as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-), oral herpes virus commonly occurs in children 6 months to 5 years of age. Because various types of oral cancer often do not produce clear signs and symptoms in their early stages, regular dental checkups are the most important method of detecting them.
