Oral health Oral health is essential to general health and quality of life. It is a state of being free from 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 capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psycho-social well-being. Oral diseases and conditions The most common oral diseases are dental cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, oral infectious diseases, trauma from injuries, and hereditary lesions. Dental cavities Worldwide, 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities, often leading to pain and discomfort. Periodontal disease Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 15–20% of middle-aged (35-44 years) adults. Tooth loss Dental cavities and periodontal disease are major causes of tooth loss. Complete loss of natural teeth is widespread and pa...