Your Oral Health

The Oral Health CRC is a research organisation and cannot answer specific questions about your oral or dental health. Your dentist is the best person to advise you on your oral and dental health. The content of this website is provided for information purposes only.  

dental caries

Dental caries (or tooth decay) is localised destruction of tooth tissue by bacteria present in dental plaque. Untreated dental caries can lead to pain and/or tooth loss. Recent surveys indicate that 90% of people worldwide have had dental problems or toothache cased by caries, with an estimated 25% of Australian adults having untreated tooth decay. Unlike many health problems, dental caries are preventable.

Dental Erosion

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth structure which is not caused by bacteria (unlike dental caries). Dental erosion is the most common chronic disease of children aged 5-17, and evidence suggests that its prevalence is steadily rising worldwide.

 

Periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases, particularly periodontitis, are a group of diseases which affect the tissues surrounding teeth. Left untreated, peridontitis can lead to the loosening and loss of teeth. Moderate to severe Peridontitis affects around 20% of Australians.

Oral CANCER 

Oral cancer is one of the world's most common cancers, with limited treatment options. Other diseases can also occur in the oral mucosa (the membrane of the mouth) including oral leukoplakia, smoker's palate, oral candidosis and melanosis.