Oral Health Conditions

Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us
to smile, speak, and chew. Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health
include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.

More than 40% of adults report having felt pain in

their mouth within the last year, and more than
80% of people will have had at least one cavity by
age 34.

Oral conditions are frequently considered separate from other chronic conditions, but these are
actually inter-related. Poor oral health is associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes
and heart disease. Oral disease also is associated with risk behaviors such as using tobacco and
consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Public health strategies such as community water fluoridation and school sealant programs are
safe and effective interventions proven to prevent cavities and save money.

Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in
plaque that collects on teeth, especially along the gumline and in the crevices on the chewing
surfaces of the teeth. Eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates cause this bacteria to
produce the acids that can cause the outer coating of the tooth (enamel) or root surface to break

down (demineralize).

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

OR TALK WITH A SPECIALITS ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST .Thank you !
 Un
treated tooth decay can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to
other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results.

 More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby
(primary) teeth.
 Up to 10% of children aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities.
 More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their
permanent teeth.
 One quarter of adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated cavities.
 More than 90% of adults have had a cavity.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease

About 4 in 10 adults aged 30 years or older had gum (periodontal) diseases in 2009–2014.5 Gum
disease is mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround
and support the teeth. Certain chronic conditions increase one’s risk for periodontal disease
including diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity. Tobacco use is
also an important risk factor for gum disease. If early forms of periodontal diseases are not
treated, the bone that supports the teeth can be lost, and the gums can become infected. Teeth
with little bone support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

OR TALK WITH A SPECIALITS ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST .Thank you !
Oral Cancer
In 2016, there were nearly 45,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx diagnosed
in the United States and more than 10,000 deaths. The 5-year survival rate for these cancers is
about 61 percent. The mortality rate from oral cancer is nearly three times as high in males as it
is in females (4 vs 1.4 for every 100,000 people) and nearly twice as high in white and black
populations as it is in Hispanic population (2.6 vs. 1.5 for every 100,000 people). Preventing
high risk behaviors, that include cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, and
excessive use of alcohol are critical in preventing oral cancers. Early detection is key to
increasing the survival rate for these cancers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

OR TALK WITH A SPECIALITS ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST .Thank you !
 Resources
 Antibiotic Safety: Do’s and Don’ts at the Dentist pdf icon[PDF – 543K]
 ADA MouthHealthy: Decayexternal icon
 National Diabetes Education Program: Healthy Teeth Matter pdf icon[PDF-200K]
 How to Promote Oral Health for People With Diabetes
 Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Healthy Teeth
 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:
Oral Cancerexternal icon
 National Cancer Institute: Head and Neck Cancerexternal icon
 CDC Wonder: Cancer Statistics
 CDC: United States Cancer Statistics by state and region
 Tips From Former Smokers

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

OR TALK WITH A SPECIALITS ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST .Thank you !