WHY IT MATTERS

Oral hygiene can be a predictor of overall health.  It matters more than you might realize.  Poor oral hygiene has been linked to cancer, pregnancy complications, poor mental health, and poor heart health. 

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Oral diseases are the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 estimated that oral diseases affected at least 3.58 billion people worldwide. In some Asian-Pacific countries, the incidence of oral cancer (cancer of the lip and oral cavity) is within the top 3 of all cancers. Dental treatment is costly, averaging 5% of total health expenditure and 20% of out-of-pocket health expenditure in most high-income countries. The oral health care demands are beyond the capacities of the health care systems in most low-and middle-income countries. The most important parts of tooth care begins at home. Brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, 2.6 billion people in the world don't own a toothbrush. Our goal is to put a toothbrush in every hand.

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See the graphics below that highlight some of the issues associated with poor oral care.