Keeping healthy teeth and gums is essential to a person’s quality of life. In addition to enabling people to chew, speak, smile and express themselves, it allows them to enjoy nutritious foods, participate in their communities, pursue employment opportunities, and earn money to support themselves and their families. Poor oral health can lead to painful, expensive dental procedures, and has been linked to other chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer.
Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases continue to impose a significant burden on individuals and their communities in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Oral diseases, such as tooth decay and periodontitis (gum disease), cause pain, discomfort, disfigurement and loss of teeth. They also affect a person’s self-esteem and ability to work or interact with others. They are associated with a wide range of other non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.
The development and application of patient based measures of the psychosocial impact of oral disease has grown over the last two decades. These instruments can help to identify and prioritize patients for oral care. They can also assist in the design of interventions to reduce the impact of these conditions on a person’s quality of life.
Oral diseases are a significant public health problem, especially for the most vulnerable. They are a leading cause of disability and death globally. Many of these conditions are a direct result of poor diet, access to oral and dental care services, and lifestyle choices. These include inadequate exposure to fluoride, the use of unhealthy food and beverages, the consumption of tobacco and alcohol and lack of regular dental visits.
Dental and oral health is a fundamental component of overall well being, and is important for all ages. It is part of a complex system that includes the mouth, jaws, and other oral structures. It is an integral part of the body’s general health and helps people to participate in society and achieve their full potential.
Developing healthy habits at an early age is key to maintaining good dental and oral health throughout your lifetime. By brushing, flossing and limiting sugar intake, you can avoid dental cavities and other serious health problems.
Oral health is a crucial part of your overall well being and should be treated with the same importance as other aspects of your health, such as physical activity and nutrition. In fact, research has shown a strong link between your mouth and other parts of your body, such as your heart and blood vessels. A healthy mouth can also improve your mood and increase your confidence and sense of wellbeing. So make it a priority to brush and floss regularly and visit your local Northbrook, IL dentist for routine checkups. These preventive appointments will help you keep your smile beautiful and avoid costly dental procedures in the future.
