Dental health
Dental Health
Dental health (/ˈdɛntəl hɛlθ/), also known as oral health, refers to the overall well-being of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and the tissues therein.
Etymology
The term "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dens", which means "tooth". The term "health" comes from the Old English word "hælþ", which means "wholeness, a being whole, sound or well".
Overview
Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellness. It involves the prevention and treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums, as well as the repair or replacement of defective teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Importance of Dental Health
Maintaining good dental health is important for several reasons:
- Prevention of Disease: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent the occurrence of serious dental diseases that can affect overall health.
- Oral Health and Overall Health: There is a connection between oral health and overall health. Poor dental health has been linked to various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Confidence and Self-esteem: Healthy, clean, and white teeth can boost a person's confidence and self-esteem.
Related Terms
- Dentistry: The medical field that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and disorders of the oral cavity.
- Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry that specializes in treating patients with improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed, which results in an improper bite.
- Periodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and alveolar bone.
- Endodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.
- Prosthodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.
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