“Oral health has a profound effect on systemic health. Excellent oral health reflects in the aesthetic and functional dentition, allowing individuals to continue their desired social and active role. However, in most low and middle-income countries, with increasing urbanisation and changes in living conditions, the prevalence of oral diseases continues to grow,” says Mumbai-based Dr Aisha Ansari, dentist at SL Raheja Hospital.
 
According to the National Oral Health Policy of India, dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer are among the most common diseases affecting the oral health of a majority of Indians. An oral health survey conducted by the Health Ministry and WHO India in 2007-08 reveals that the prevalence of dental caries ranged between 23 percent and 71.5 percent among 12-year-olds and between 48.1 percent and 86.4 percent among adults aged 35-45 years. A number of factors, including awareness, social and economic conditions, contribute to the burden of oral health diseases in India.
 
A condition that can be often dismissed as minor tooth decay, dental caries may lead to complex tooth diseases if left untreated. Ansari explains what causes dental caries, the treatment available for it and the importance of paying attention to one’s oral health.
 
When we say oral health, what does it comprise as a whole?

Oral health is a crucial indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. There is a proven relationship between oral and general health. It touches every aspect of our lives but is often taken for granted. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body, and it can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or widespread infection. It encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include dental cavities, periodontal (gum) diseases, tooth loss, oral manifestations of HIV infection, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma, and congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate. 
 
Although oral health problems are rarely life-threatening, they remain a significant public health problem because of their burden due to high prevalence. It is now widely recognised that oral health can have social, economic, and psychological consequences. In other words, oral health can impact an individual's quality of life.
 
What are dental caries, and what are their common forms prevalent in India?