ORAL HEALTH

Oral diseases are the most common noncommunicable diseases and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort and even death. WHO defines oral health as “a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.” ¹

Behavioural risk factors for oral diseases are : unhealthy diet high in free sugars, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol, poor oral hygiene and inadequate exposure to fluoride have negative effects on oral health