Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Within oral conditions, those involving tooth loss are among the ones with
a greater impact in society. Tooth loss in adult life may also be attributable to
poor periodontal health and more specifically to the presence of periodontitis
and gingivitis conditions. Severe periodontitis is found in 5-20% of most
adult populations worldwide, especially adults between 35-44 years old,
whereas most children and adolescents present signs of gingivitis (WHo,
2004).
Dental erosion which consists of a progressive, irreversible loss of dental
hard tissue owing to chemical etching of its surface is a growing problem
among the population of several countries, affecting 8-13% of adults (Cate
and Imfeld, 1996). other oral conditions affecting people worldwide are
related to developmental disorders such as congenital diseases of the enamel
or dentine of teeth namely amelogenesis imperfecta, problems related to the
number, size and shape of teeth, and craniofacial birth defects such as cleft
lip and palate (Poulsen
et al
., 2008; WHo, 2004).
The current global distribution of oral disease is very variable and highly
dependent on the living conditions, lifestyles and the implementation of
preventive oral health systems in different countries. However, it is expected
that with the growing consumption of tobacco in developing countries, the
risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss is likely to increase. Periodontal
disease and tooth loss are also linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes
mellitus; the growing incidence of diabetes may have a negative impact on
the oral health of people in several countries. Thus, public health problems
related to tooth loss and weakened oral function are expected to increase,
particularly in many developing countries (Petersen
et al
., 2005)
one of the most important developmental disorders involving both dental
and craniomaxillofacial problems is the cleft lip and palate. The medical
condition of patients with cleft lip and palate problems is very complex as
it involves hearing, speech, learning, nutrition and socialization problems
as well as frequent surgery and prolonged difficult dental care (Waite and
Waite, 1996). The incidence of cleft lip and palate varies enormously from
one country to another. native Americans show the highest incidences at
3.74 per 1000 live births, whereas a uniform incidence of 1:600 to 1:700
live births is reported among europeans. The incidences appear high among
Asians (0.82-4.04 per 1000 live births), intermediate in Caucasians (0.9-2.69
per 1000 live births) and low in Africans (0.18-1.67 per 1000 live births)
(WHo, 2002).
orodental trauma is another source of dental problems. Although there is
a lack of reliable data about the distribution and severity of this condition,
there are some studies reporting that most dental trauma relates to sports,
unsafe playgrounds or schools, traffic accidents or violence. Some studies have
reported dental trauma in about 15% of school children in latin American
countries and around 5-12% in some Middle east countries. Moreover, it
