Preface

Oral health is an essential part of human health and wellbeing. Oral health issues not only affect basic abilities such as eating, speaking, and smiling, but also self-esteem, school or job performance, and the chance of obtaining employment.

Oral diseases have a high prevalence. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 100% of the adult population has at least one cavity, and 20% suffer from severe gum disease.

Oral health issues, ranging from cavities to oral cancer, cause pain and disability. Edentulism may be considered the ultimate stage of oral suffering. Most oral diseases are preventable and can be treated in the early stages. Preventive methods include proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups and cleaning, a healthy diet, limited sugar intake, and no smoking. Treatment, depending on the oral health issue, involves using a wide range of materials and techniques. All the materials for dental use are supposed to be biocompatible, their characteristics and properties being strongly dependent on their purpose. The currently available dental materials are in constant development, and techniques such as lasers, microscopy, and 3D-bioprinting are becoming more complex. Nowadays, even edentulism is a condition that can be treated effectively by means of dental implants.

The relationship between oral and general health is obvious, for example, certain medications (painkillers, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, etc.) may reduce saliva flow and lead to oral problems. Alternatively, various diseases and conditions, such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia, are linked to oral bacteria and inflammation. Diabetes, AIDS, osteoporosis, eating disorders, and Alzheimer's also have a distinct influence on oral condition.

Lack of appropriate health facilities and limited access to primary oral health services is quite common in certain geographical areas. High costs of dental treatment may represent a major barrier for large categories of people. Targeted health programs and specific approaches are attempted to overcome these issues.

This book, consisting of twenty chapters, focuses on different aspects of oral health issues, including prevention, treatment, and management.

#### **Lavinia Cosmina Ardelean**

Department of Technology of Materials and Devices in Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania

> **Laura Cristina Rusu** Department of Oral Pathology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania

Section 1
