Dental Disorder
Terms Listed Alphabetically
Diseases and disorders that damage the mouth and face
can disturb well-being and self-esteem. The effect
of oral health and disease on quality of life is a
relatively new field of research that examines the
functional, psychological, social, and economic consequences
of oral disorders. Most of the research has focused
on a few conditions: tooth loss, craniofacial birth
defects, oral-facial pain, and oral cancer. The impact
of oral health on an individual’s quality of
life reflects complex social norms and cultural values,
beliefs, and traditions. There is a long tradition
of determining character on the basis of facial and
head shapes. Although cultures differ in detail, there
appear to be overall consistencies in the judgment
of facial beauty and deformity that are learned early
in life. Faces judged ugly have been associated with
defects in character, intelligence, and morals.
The Impact of Craniofacial-Oral-Dental
Conditions on Quality of Life:
Missing teeth
People who have many missing teeth
face a diminished quality of life. Not only do they
have to limit food choices because of chewing problems,
which may result in nutritionally poor diets, but
many feel a degree of embarrassment and self-consciousness
that limits social interaction and communication.
Craniofacial birth defects
Children with cleft lip or cleft palate
experience not only problems with eating, breathing,
and speaking, but also have difficulties adjusting
socially, which affects their learning and behavior.
The tendency to “judge a book by its cover”
persists in the world today and accounts for many
of the psychosocial problems of persons affected by
craniofacial birth defects.
Oral-facial pain
The craniofacial region is rich in
nerve endings sensitive to painful stimuli, so it
is not surprising that oral-facial pain, especially
chronic pain conditions where the cause is not understood
and control is inadequate, severely affects quality
of life. Conditions such as temporomandibular (jaw
joint) disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, and postherpetic
neuralgia (chronic pain following an attack of shingles
affecting facial nerves) can disrupt vital functions
such as chewing, swallowing, and sleep; interfere
with normal activities at home or work; and lead to
social withdrawal and depression.
Oral Cancer
Surgical treatment for oral cancer
may result in permanent disfigurement as well as functional
limitations affecting speaking and eating. Given the
poor prognosis for oral cancer (the five-year survival
rate is only 52 percent), it is not surprising that
depression is common in these patients.
