Written Assignment Unit 2

University of the People

HS 2720 Oral Health

Written Assignment Unit 2

Instructor: Joyce Belcher

21st November 2022,

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Written Assignment Unit 2

Oral epidemiology:

Oral health is defined because the absence of any diseases or conditions affecting the mouth and

oral cavity, as well as chronic oral and facial pain, cancer of the mouth and throat, mouth ulcers,

and birth defects like cleft lip, palate, and gums (gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and so on

”(Epidemiological concepts in Oral Health, n.d., p. 3). Oral epidemiology, on the opposite hand,

is that the study of the prevalence and causes of oral health-related conditions or events in

specific populations, as well as the application of analysis to the interference and treatment of

oral health problems. For easy use, we tend to talk to all health impairments or conditions that

cause abnormal performance as diseases, which includes illness, disease, disorders, situations,

and injuries. the sole subfield of epidemiology that's outlined in terms of anatomical region of

the body is oral epidemiology. alternative subspecialties are categorised by pathophysiological

processes, disease types, or other factors. infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease

epidemiology, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, cancer epidemiology, infection

epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology, and so on are some samples of how epidemiology is

described in terms of a state or outcome (Epidemiological ideas in Oral Health, nd, p. 3).

A broad information area of scientific study is oral epidemiology, that offers a tool that blends

clinical dental care models with best methods. It additionally expands on conversations regarding

oral diseases and their relationship to biometric and psychosocial variables. epidemiological

studies are helpful in detective work and observance the incidence of dental caries and

periodontal disease across totally different age and geographic groups, providing new treatment

perspectives. tooth decay and gum disease are among the foremost necessary public health

problems. it's best-known that epidemiology could provide clinical information predictive

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Written Assignment Unit 2

significance, creating them terribly useful in implementing preventive initiatives to reduce the

incidence of dental problems (Veiga & Coelho, 2015, p. 1).

Causes of oral diseases 1. Poor hygiene 2. High sugar consumption 3. Alcohol consumption

many varieties of bacterium, viruses, and fungi congregate in our mouths. a number of of those

belong there as a result of they're an everyday a part of our mouth flora. In moderation, it's often

safe. However, a diet high in sugar promotes an environment within which acid-producing

bacteria can thrive. Cavities are caused by the dissolution of enamel by this acid. Plaque may be

a sticky matrix in which bacteria near the gum line thrive. If plaque isn't removed frequently by

brushing and flossing, it builds up, hardens, and travels on the shaft of our teeth. The gums might

become inflamed as a result, resulting in gingivitis. Our gums can begin to separate from our

teeth because the inflammation worsens. Pockets kind because of this process, wherever pus may

eventually collect. periodontal disease is that the term for this most severe stage of gum disease

(The Healthline Editorial Team, n.d.).

One amongst the biggest risk factors for carcinoma is excessive alcohol consumption. the

mixture of drinking and smoking greatly will increase the risk. Alcohol, particularly once

combined with soft drinks, can cause increased mouth acid production; Hence, dental erosion

may result from this. Moreover, excessive use of alcohol is one amongst the biggest risk factors

for aggressive behavior or domestic violence. Facial and dental bruises might arise from this

(“Alcohol and Oral Health,” n.d.). Therefore, maintaining regular hygiene, occasional visits to

the dentist for elaborate care, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are crucial

to preventing such oral problems.

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Prevention of oral disorders a number of the initiatives that require to be taken to focus on

common risk factors that can cut back the burden of oral and different non-communicable

diseases within the community are as follows:

1. correct methodology for maintaining oral hygiene are often demonstrated mistreatment TV

programs or short commercials which might embody brushing and flossing methods, use of

antibacterial drug mouthwash, explaining why it's vital to go to the dentist often to remove tartar

or plaque, and identifying any lightweight cavities to be extracted within the start.

2. Awareness campaigns through public hospitals or health centers that focus on food choices,

with a spotlight on their relationship to oral health principally. massive banners and posters will

be put up with vibrant pictures depiction the damage that sugar in excess can do to your teeth.

3. to prevent an increase in alcohol consumption, the aged will be mainly targeted as they're

more vulnerable. to make them aware of the results and educate them regarding different oral

health disorders and also the seriousness they will cause like cancer etcetera this can be done by

obtaining them along publically and speaking directly also as responsive their questions and

considerations if any.

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References:

Alcohol and oral health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/mids-east/wp-

content/uploads/sites/7/2017/03/oral-health-poster.pdf

Epidemiologic Concepts in Oral Health. (n.d.). Jones and Bartlett Publishers (Ed.).

The Healthline Editorial Team. (n.d.). Oral health basics: Symptoms, types, causes & more.

Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health#causes

Veiga, & Coelho. (2015). The Importance of Epidemiology in Dental Medicine. Journal of

Dental and Oral Health, 1(4). Retrieved from https://scientonline.org/open-access/the-

importance-of-epidemiology- in-dental-medicine.pdf