Your Oral Health -A Public Health Issue
The World Health Organization defines oral health as being free of chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that affect the mouth and oral cavity. Oral disease Oral diseases are among the most prevalent chronic diseases. They include tooth decay and gum diseases that can lead to pain and tooth loss. Oral cancer leads to pain, tooth loss and premature death if not detected early on. Oral diseases-once considered localized infections-are now associated with other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.1 Oral disease and pain can have a significant negative impact on your ability to learn, work, socialize, speak and eat foods that you need. To read the entire article visit www.dentalhygienecanada.ca The remainder of the article details the following: Did You Know? Facts about your overall...