Dentistry Miniatlas

Oral hygiene is an important part of the general state of health and therefore warrants serious consideration, as the teeth participate in the different forms of facial expression, in eating and in communication.

The disorders that affect oral health may be localized to the teeth or to the surrounding tissues. Dental caries is a disease that affects a large percentage of children of school age and the great majority of adults; according to the World Health Organization and as stated in its report on oral health throughout the world, this is a disease with a high prevalence.

The most important consequences include periodontal disease and the loss of teeth, problems which more frequently affect adults and have a marked repercussion on the economy and the quality of life of those who suffer this disease.

For many years, the principal objective of oral health was to prevent dental caries in children, emphasizing the influence of the diet in their development. Prevention is now aimed at all age groups and focuses its attention on the diet, periodic dental check-ups and an adequate oral hygiene, essential to maintain an optimal state of oral health that is fundamental to achieving a good quality of life.