3/10/2017 PAHO WHO | Oral health is vital for overall health

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Oral health is vital for overall health

Healthy teeth, gums and mouths are things people tend to take for granted until they no longer have
them. Experts say this is unfortunate because good habits and regular check-ups can prevent most oral
health problems, and these are more likely to occur if people are fully aware of the importance of oral
health.

"Oral disease can become a major impediment to our enjoyment of a healthy life," says Dr. Saskia
Estupiñan, an expert on oral health at the Pan American Health Organization/World Health
Organization (PAHO/WHO). "We need to value and protect oral health before problems occur." 

Nine out of 10 people around the world are at risk of some form of oral disease, ranging from tooth
decay and gum disease to oral cancer. Prevention begins in childhood, yet even in developed countries,
from 60% to 90% of school-aged children have dental caries.

One of the most serious forms of oral disease is oral cancer, whose major risk factors are tobacco and
alcohol use and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Dental professionals can play an important role in
early detection by examining patients for signs of oral cancer during checkups.

In the Americas, the burden of oral disease has declined significantly since 1980, thanks in large part to
public health interventions including salt and water fluoridation and the use of simple yet e ective
technologies for oral health care.

Oral disease can be prevented through healthy habits including:

Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Using dental floss every day.
Rinsing daily with fluoride mouthwash.
Having regular dental check-ups for both children and adults.
Avoiding so drinks, artificial juices and energy drinks.
Avoiding sweets, candies and starchy snacks.

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3/10/2017 PAHO WHO | Oral health is vital for overall health

Avoiding junk foods.

Avoiding tobacco products and alcohol.

PAHO's technical cooperation has helped countries strengthen their oral health services through
training, implementation of proven best practices, and partnerships. PAHO's Caries-Free Communities
Initiative, for example, works to expand access to essential and basic oral health services for everyone,
especially vulnerable groups, through partnerships between the private and public sectors. It
emphasizes integration of oral health into primary healthcare services and promotes the use of cost-
e ective interventions. Partners in the initiative include Colgate-Palmolive and the School of Dentistry
of the Javeriana Pontifical University in Colombia.

Links:

PAHO Oral Health Program (/hq/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=1127&Itemid=675&lang=en)

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 March 2013 20:41

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