Oral health is not just absence of disease, but the presence of oral wellness - healthy gums, teeth, tongue and the ability to speak, chew, enjoy food, and smile.
Oral health is also being free of 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 biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well-being.
Oral wellness affects:
Oral pain is linked to:
Guarnizo-Herreño CC, Wehby GL. Children's Dental Health, School Performance and Psychosocial Well-Being. Journal of Pediatrics. 2012;161(6):1153-1159.e2.