For many individuals, pain and discomfort in the mouth can interfere with essential daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even basic oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining proper nutrition and oral hygiene, which are crucial for overall health. Chronic or severe oral pain can diminish one's quality of life by affecting their ability to enjoy activities, socialize with others, and perform tasks at work or school.

Untreated oral health issues have been related to other diseases and can cause pain and disability. Dental health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can be avoided with preventative measures. It is important to treat or diagnose any initial pain or discomfort early--before it becomes a serious problem (Jin et al., 2016).

What is this?

Tooth decay, the result of tooth enamel breakdown by bacteria-produced acids found in plaque, is primarily caused by consuming foods high in carbohydrates. This erosion, if left untreated, can lead to severe infections and, in rare cases, fatal outcomes. Despite being largely preventable, cavities remain one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). 

What does the data show? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control in 2023,

• More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth. 

• Up to 10% of children aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities. 

• More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. 

• One-quarter of adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated cavities. More than 90% of adults have had a cavity.

What is this?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of tissues that are responsible for keeping your teeth in place. It typically happens with poor brushing and flossing habits that ultimately lead to plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. It begins with swollen and bloody gums. If it is not properly treated, it can spread to the bones that surround the gums, making it painful to chew. It could even lead to tooth loss in severe cases (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2023).

What does the data show?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states,

• Approximately 47.2% of individuals aged 30 years and above exhibit signs of periodontal disease, a figure that grows with age, affecting around 70.1% of adults aged 65 and older. 

• Moreover, this disease tends to be more prevalent among men compared to women, with rates standing at 56.4% and 38.4%, respectively. 

• Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and smoking habits correlate with higher incidences of periodontal disease, as evidenced by rates of 65.4% among those below the federal poverty level, 66.9% among individuals with less than a high school education, and 64.2% among current smokers.

What is this?

Tooth loss is a condition where one or more natural teeth are missing from the mouth. A number of factors, such as dental decay, gum disease, trauma, or congenital conditions, can cause this loss. Losing teeth can have an impact on a person's ability to speak clearly, chew food correctly, and keep their remaining teeth in place. The loss of teeth can have a big effect on one's self-esteem, general well-being, and oral health (Centers for Disease Control, 2023).

What does the data show?

According to the Centers for Disease Control in 2023,

• Having eight or fewer teeth is considered severe tooth loss. This can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and meats, which is another barrier to maintaining good health.

• Among adults aged 65 and above, approximately one quarter (26%) have 8 or fewer teeth, while about 1 in 6 (17%) have lost all their teeth. 

• Notably, the prevalence of total tooth loss in this age group has declined by over 30%, from 27% in 1999–2004 to 17% in 2011–2016. 

• Furthermore, older adults facing socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, limited education, or smoking habits, are over three times more likely to experience complete tooth loss compared to their counterparts.

What is this?

• Most frequently, oral cancer—also referred to as mouth cancer or cancer of the oral cavity—occurs in the tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth. The lining of the lips and cheeks, the roof of the mouth, the gums, the small salivary glands, or the space behind the wisdom teeth can also be the starting point. The majority of oral cancers originate from the squamous cells that line the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth. These are called squamous cell carcinomas (cancers). Cancers of the salivary glands are not squamous cell carcinomas. These tumors grow farther into the tissue (MD Anderson Cancer Center).

What does the data show?

Data taken by the MD Anderson Cancer Center shows,

• Approximately 3 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the US each year, or 54,000 new cases in 2022, are oral cancers.

• Men are affected by oral cancer more than twice as often as women, with those over 40 being the most common age group.

• The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the primary cause of most throat cancers, while tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or both are linked to the majority of cancers in the mouth. Incidence of oral cancer that is HPV-positive has increased recently.