Devastating Yet Preventable: The Most Common Oral Health Conditions Worldwide

Although most oral health conditions are preventable with proper oral hygiene and treatable if caught in their early stages, dental and periodontal diseases are some of the most common health problems across the world. In fact, the World Health Organization estimated in 2022 that nearly 3.5 billion people deal with oral diseases worldwide. Here are some of the most common oral health problems on Earth and how they can be prevented or treated.

Tooth Decay Is the Most Common Illness on Earth

The mouth is home to billions of bacteria, and some of them are harmful to your dental health. Humans love sugar, and for this reason, sugary snacks and beverages have become multibillion-dollar industries worldwide. Unfortunately, these sweet treats leave the teeth covered in a sugary residue that harmful bacteria love. They feed on it, multiply, and excrete acid as a byproduct. This acid allows them to eat their way through the outer layer of the tooth and cause an infection called a cavity. An untreated cavity will only get worse and lead to tooth loss and possibly secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia.

Gum Disease Is Frighteningly Prevalent Across the World

Gum disease is caused by the same bacteria that cause tooth decay, and it begins as inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth called gingivitis. While gingivitis can often be so mild as to go unnoticed by the untrained eye, it can eventually progress to periodontitis, a devastating and disfiguring illness that can cause bad breath, tooth loss, deterioration of the jawbone, and secondary infections.

Tooth Loss Is Unfortunately Widespread

Tooth loss can result from trauma and untreated tooth decay or gum disease. While the loss of teeth can hinder someone’s ability to eat a healthy diet, it is also damaging to one’s self-image and can negatively affect one’s ability to socialize. It is estimated that almost 7% of people older than nineteen and 23% of seniors have lost all their teeth.

How Can These Conditions Be Prevented?

Thankfully, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can almost always be prevented with proper oral hygiene, regular dental appointments, and good eating habits. An excellent daily oral hygiene routine includes brushing at least twice and flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash at least once. Keeping up with your regular dental appointments allows your dentist to catch and resolve dental health issues in their early stages before they can become severe. If you limit your sugar intake, you can starve the harmful bacteria in your mouth so they will be less able to cause oral infections.

While these oral health conditions can be devastating, dental medicine is well-prepared to keep them in check. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect to live your life with an intact and beautiful smile.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Simeone earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Temple University’s Kornberg Dental School in 2001 and has accumulated more than two decades of experience as a general and complex dentist since then. He is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Coatesville, PA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how to prevent oral health conditions, contact his office online or dial (610) 383-1600.