Research demonstrates how poor oral health, including the development of dental caries, or cavities, can lead to an overall poorer quality of life and poor diet that in turn lead to more oral health problems. Poor oral health can impact activities of daily living, causing difficulties in social interactions and impacting education and career opportunities. Oral health issues can also lead to nutritional concerns, such as obesity, food avoidance, and lower overall diet quality. Additionally, serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, endocarditis, pneumonia, pregnancy complications (*i.e. premature birth and low birth weight), diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer, may arise because of poor oral health and poor diet.
Learn more about how poor oral health, including the development of dental caries, can negatively impact quality of life across the lifespan.