The health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew is referred to as oral health. Cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer are some of the most common diseases affecting our oral health. Most oral health problems are preventable and treatable in their early stages. Dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal diseases, oral cancers, oro-dental trauma, cleft lip and palate, and noma are the most common causes (severe gangrenous disease starting in the mouth mostly affecting children).
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with caries of permanent teeth being the most common condition. Globally, it is estimated that 2 billion people suffer from permanent tooth caries, with 520 million children suffering from primary tooth caries. Oral conditions are frequently thought to be distinct from other chronic conditions, but they are interconnected. Poor oral health has been linked to other chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Oral disease is also linked to risk behaviors such as smoking and consuming sugary foods and beverages.
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