The Problem of Oral Diseases

Аннотация

The most prevalent and consequential oral diseases globally are dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal disease,
tooth loss, and cancers of the lips and oral cavity. In this first of two papers in a series on oral health, we describe
the scope of the global oral disease epidemic, its origins in terms of social and commercial determinants, and its costs in
terms of population well-being and societal impact. Although oral diseases are largely preventable, they persist with high
prevalence, reflecting widespread social and economic inequalities and inadequate funding for prevention and treatment,
particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). As with most non-communicable diseases (NCDs), oral
conditions are chronic and strongly socially patterned. Children living in poverty, socially marginalized groups, and older
people are the most affected by oral diseases and have poor access to dental care.