The Consequences
The economic and social consequences of oral pain, dental decay, and tooth loss are far-reaching and can result in social stigma.
There is mounting evidence of aggravating effects on systemic conditions due to poor oral health.
Oral pain can cause:
- Poor school performance in children
- Work loss in adults
- Difficulty chewing and inadequate nutrition
- Costly emergency department visits
Dental decay and tooth loss can lead to:
- Aesthetic and self-image issues
- Feeling worthless, unhappy and shy
- Costly restorations
- Systemic complications
Bilateral Abscesses of the Upper Central Incisors
Child Under General Anesthesia Undergoing Dental Restoration
References
Guarnizo-Herreño CC, Wehby GL. Children's Dental Health, School Performance and Psychosocial Well-Being. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2012; 161(6):1153-1159.e2.
Shah AC, Leong KK, Lee MK, Allareddy V. Outcomes of Hospitalizations Attributed to Periapical Abscess from 2000 to 2008: A Longitudinal Trend Analysis. Journal of Endodontics, 2013; 39(9): 1104-1110.
Allareddy V1, Rampa S, Lee MK, Allareddy V, Nalliah RP. Hospital-based emergency department visits involving dental conditions: profile and predictors of poor outcomes and resource utilization. JADA, 2014. 145(4): 331-337.