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WHO Oral Health Definition — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyCommunity Dentistry & EpidemiologyWHO Oral Health DefinitionNDEB AFK

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as which of the following?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: AA state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases affecting the oral cavity — enabling an individual to speak, chew, smile, and contribute to overall well-being and quality of life

The WHO defines oral health as a multifaceted concept encompassing not just the absence of disease but the ability to speak, smile, taste, chew, swallow, and convey emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain or discomfort. This holistic definition recognises oral health as integral to general health and well-being, and as a fundamental human right. It drives the Global Oral Health Strategy (2022) which aims to achieve universal health coverage for oral health by 2030.

Reference: WHO – Global Oral Health Status Report, 2022