Oral diseases and prevention

Virtually without parallel, individual action can successfully prevent the onset of two major oral diseases; dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries is a localized progressive decay of the tooth, marked by the demineralization of the enamel by organic acids. These acids develop owing to the fermentation of carbohydrates in the diet by plaque bacteria. A cavity is produced by the continued destruction of the tooth mineral and protein, resulting eventually in the tooth pulp and the surrounding tissues becoming infected. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition of the connective tissues which support the tooth and gums (gingivae). It is the result of toxins produced from bacterial plaque which initiates an inflammatory reaction. The tissue breakdown which ensues is due to the inflammatory response being left unchecked. The bone supporting the tooth atrophies leading to high tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. Although the two diseases are not ordinarily life-threatening, they do influence the quality of life (Locker, 2004; McGrath & Bedi, 2004) and the economic efficiency of nations through the loss of millions of working hours each year, costs associated with treating the diseases and debilitating pain from the diseases themselves (Miller et al., 1975).

Caries and periodontal disease are ubiquitous. The World Health Organization report on oral health presents a comprehensive picture of the extent of both diseases, especially in industrialized countries. (Petersen, 2003). Approximately 60–90% of school children have been affected and almost all adults (above 95%).