U51. Oral Health

This document provides an overview of oral health from a public health perspective. It begins by defining oral health as an essential part of general health and wellbeing, emphasizing its impact on quality of life. It focuses mainly on dental caries, explaining its etiology as a multifactorial disease caused by bacterial biofilm, sugar consumption, and time. It describes the progression of caries from initial enamel demineralization to cavitation if untreated. The document also reviews periodontal diseases, distinguishing between gingivitis and periodontitis, and highlighting their inflammatory nature and main risk factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and systemic conditions like diabetes. Additionally, it mentions other oral health problems relevant in public health, including oral infections and oral cancer, stressing early detection and prevention.