What are dental caries?

Dental caries, otherwise known as tooth decay, occur when germs (bacteria) build up in your mouth and lead to the production of plaque. This clear and sticky substance feeds on the sugars in the food you eat or drinks that you consume to make acids that destroy the teeth over time. Dental caries can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss if not correctly managed.

Signs of dental caries

You may have tooth decay if you experience:

• food trapped frequently between your teeth;
• discomfort or pain in or around your mouth;
• difficulty in biting down on certain foods;
• sensitivity to hot, cold or even sweet foods;
• bad breath;
• white, then dark, spots on your teeth.

What can you do?

• Visit the dentist regularly: one of the best ways to protect your mouth is by visiting the dentist regularly. Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. A regular check-up allows the dentist to discover any dental problem and remove any build up plaque, which if left untreated can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
• Avoid diets high in sugar: eat a well-balanced, low-sugar diet. Sugar is the number one cause of dental caries, which is the most common health condition globally.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste: toothbrushing helps remove food and plaque.
• Read How to practice good oral hygiene and Take charge of your oral health to understand how you can prevent dental caries.

What is the impact of dental caries?

• Untreated dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide¹.
• More than 530 million children suffer from tooth decay of primary teeth (milk teeth)¹.
• Dental caries affect people of all ages throughout their lifetime.

[1] World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health [Accessed 21 October 2020].

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums that begins as gingivitis (chronic inflammation of the gums caused by dental plaque), which can be easily treated if action is taken early. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis (a more serious condition that destroys tooth-supporting tissues and bone), often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Unlike gingivitis, the damage caused by periodontal disease is irreversible and permanent.

Signs of periodontal disease

You may have gum disease if you experience:

• red and swollen gums that bleed easily, especially when you brush or clean between your teeth;
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth;
• constant bad breath;
• pus between your teeth and gums;
• teeth that are loose or moving away from one another;
• changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite;
• changes in the way your partial dentures fit.

What can you do?

• Visit the dentist regularly: through a regular visit to the dentist, periodontal disease can be detected at early stages and appropriate measures can be taken. More advanced cases may require specialized care.
• Prevent disease by managing your risk factors: avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption and eat a well-balanced low-sugar diet.
• Adopt a good oral care routine: good oral hygiene is an essential component of securing a healthy mouth and body, this includes brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Read How to practice good oral hygiene and Take charge of your oral health  to understand how you can prevent periodontal disease.

What is the impact of periodontal disease?

• Periodontal disease is among humanity’s most common diseases, affecting up to 50% of the global population¹.
• Severe gum (periodontal) disease, which may result in tooth loss, affects 10% of the global population².
• Periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship: in general, people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, and treatment of periodontal disease often improves blood glucose levels.

¹ FDI World Dental Federation. Periodontal Health and Disease: A practical guide to reduce the global burden or periodontal disease. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/resources/toolkits/periodontal-health-and-disease [Accessed 21 October 2020].

2 World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health [Accessed 21 October 2020].

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, other parts of the mouth and the oropharynx (part of throat at the back of the mouth). Cancer is caused by the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away.

Signs of oral cancer

Some common signs of oral cancer include[1]:

• swellings/thickenings, lumps/bumps, rough spots/crusts or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth;
• development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth;
• unexplained bleeding in the mouth;
• unexplained numbness or pain/tenderness in the face, mouth, or neck;
• dramatic weight loss;
• persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks;
• a soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat;
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue;
• hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice;
• ear pain;
• change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.

What can you do?

• Seek help if you are concerned, as early diagnosis is key: early detection improves treatment outcomes through timely referral for specialist care.   
• Avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption: tobacco and alcohol use are two major causes of oral cancer worldwide, accounting for about 90 per cent of oral cancers[2].
• Reduce your risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection[3]: around 70 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV. This is a common virus which causes no harm in most people. But in some people, the virus can cause changes in the throat making them more likely to become cancerous in the future[4].
• Do not suffer in silence if you are undergoing cancer treatment: it is estimated that more than 30-35% of patients undergoing cancer treatment will suffer from conditions such as dry mouth, oral bleeding and oral mucositis. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns[5].

What is the impact of oral cancer?

• Oral cancer is among the 10 most common cancers, with an estimated 300-700 thousand new cases every year².
• Oral cancer is most prevalent among middle-aged men, but women and younger people are increasingly affected².
• Oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

[1] WebMD. Oral Cancer. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer#1 [Accessed 21 October 2020].

[2] FDI World Dental Federation. The Challenge of Oral Disease – A call for global action. Oral Health Atlas. 2nd ed. Geneva: FDI World Dental Federation; 2015. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/resources/publications/oral-health-atlas/oral-health-atlas-2015 [Accessed 22 October 2020].

[3] Cancer.net. Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention [Accessed 6 June 2020].

[4] Cancer Research UK. About mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/about [Accessed 22 October 2020].

[5] FDI World Dental Federation. Oral Health and Cancer: Collaborative Care and Patient Education. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/what-we-do/projects/oral-health-and-cancer-collaborative-care-and-patient-education [Accessed 22 October 2020].

What is oro-dental trauma?

Oral injuries account for 5 percent of all injuries and craniofacial trauma (head, face, and oral cavity) is responsible for about half of the estimated total 8.5 million trauma deaths worldwide[1]. They include fractures of the jaws and other facial bones, as well as fractures, dislocations and loss of teeth. Risk factors include traffic and bicycle accidents, falls, physical violence, contact sports and tongue and lip piercings.

What can you do to prevent oro-dental trauma?

Oral and dental trauma and injuries can happen frequently when practicing contact and combat sports without proper protection. Up to 40% of dental injuries in older adolescents and adults occur while playing sports[2].

• Wear a mouthguard: a mouthguard is recommended even if you only practice your sport occasionally. Avoid store-bought, standard mouthguards that do not fit well and offer poor protection³.
• Favour custom-made mouthguards: for children and adolescents whose mouths are still developing, it may be appropriate to use standard mouthguards that will then be adapted by a dentist. Do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice[3].
• Wear a face cage / shield when necessary: a face cage protects against trauma to the face, especially when playing certain sports like hockey, ice hockey, American football, and baseball.
• Wear a helmet recommended for your sport: the frequency and severity of craniofacial trauma can be reduced if you wear the appropriate helmet for the sport in which you are participating.

What is the impact of oro-dental trauma?

• Oral trauma can impact everyday life and particularly affects children and young adults, it can have a significant physical, psychosocial, and economic impact.
• Approximately half of all trauma involving permanent teeth requires dental treatment¹ and around 20% of people suffer from trauma to teeth at some point in their life[4].
• Oral injuries are often complex and occur together with other bodily injury and can require costly and time-consuming treatment¹.
• Violence and child abuse are also important causes of oral injuries and have serious, lifelong consequences. Dentists may be the first or only point of contact for victims in a healthcare setting¹. Oral health professionals are key to helping to recognize signs of abuse, which commonly affect the head, neck, or face.
•  

[1] FDI World Dental Federation. The Challenge of Oral Disease – A call for global action. Oral Health Atlas. 2nd ed. Geneva: FDI World Dental Federation; 2015. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/resources/publications/oral-health-atlas/oral-health-atlas-2015 [Accessed 26 October 2020].

[2] WebMD. Tips to Prevent Tooth and Mouth Injuries. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/prevent-tooth-mouth-injuries [Accessed 26 October 2020].

[3] FDI World Dental Federation. Guidelines for Amateurs. Sports Dentistry. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/resources/brochures/guidelines-for-amateurs [Accessed 26 October 2020].

[4] World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health [Accessed 26 October 2020].

What is Noma?

Noma is a neglected disease mainly affecting children aged between 2 and 6 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by rapidly progressing, severe gangrenous (type of tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply) of the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and face[1].

What are the risk factors for Noma?

• Living in extreme poverty and malnutrition. 
• Poor oral hygiene and / or with weakened immune systems caused by diseases such as HIV, malaria, and measles[2]
• Affected by infectious disease.

What can be done?

• Early detection is key: with appropriate prevention, awareness and early interventions Noma can be effectively prevented.
• Treatment can help: if diagnosed at an early stage, simple and effective treatment is possible through basic hygiene, antibiotics, and improved nutrition.
• Eradication of noma requires political commitment: the eradication of noma needs concerted efforts to alleviate poverty, promote improved nutrition of both pregnant women and infants, and help to teach parents to recognize early signs of the disease.

What is the impact of noma?

• Noma is fatal in 90 per cent of cases.²
• Survivors suffer lifelong disfigurement and are often left unable to speak or eat due to massive tissue destruction.
• The condition carries significant social stigma for victims and their families, increasing the risk of poverty for the household.
• If they survive, patients require costly and complex surgery, and this is often unavailable.

[1] FDI World Dental Federation. The Challenge of Oral Disease – A call for global action. Oral Health Atlas. 2nd ed. Geneva: FDI World Dental Federation; 2015. Available from: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/resources/publications/oral-health-atlas/oral-health-atlas-2015 [Accessed 26 October 2020].

[2] World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health [Accessed 26 October 2020].

What is cleft lip and/or palate

Cleft lip and palate (clefts) are the most common birth difference of the face and mouth. Clefts occur when parts of the lip and/or palate do not fuse together during fetal development, which can lead to difficulties with feeding and even survival following birth.

What are the risk factors for cleft lip and/or palate?

• Genetic predisposition (an increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on genetic makeup) is an important factor for congenital anomalies.
• Other modifiable (you can take measures to change them) risk factors also play a role, including poor maternal nutrition, tobacco consumption, alcohol and obesity during pregnancy^[1]. ¹

What can be done?

• Rehabilitation with surgery: if lip and palate clefts are properly treated by surgery, complete rehabilitation is possible¹.
• Treatment requires early multi-disciplinary interventions: specialist nursing, plastic surgery, paediatric dentistry, speech therapy, orthodontics, genetics, and psychological services are all important for complete rehabilitation of patients with such anomalies^[2].

What is the impact of cleft lip and / or palate?

• This condition can affect as many as 1 in 500 births, yet many children with clefts never receive the reconstructive surgery they need.
• Clefts can be associated with missing or extra teeth, and malformed teeth and facial structures.
• Even children who undergo cleft surgery are often at an increased risk for caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health and well-being issues as they grow and develop.
• These children require regular dental care to ensure adequate monitoring, education, support, and treatment to prevent oral disease and achieve the highest possible quality of life^[3].