tannhelsen

Tannhelsen is a Norwegian-language term that broadly denotes dental or oral health. It encompasses the condition of teeth, gums, oral mucosa and related structures, as well as practices and services aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease. The concept aligns with international understandings of oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being.

Common oral health issues covered under tannhelsen include dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease, tooth wear, tooth loss, malocclusion and oral lesions. Poor oral health can affect nutrition, speech, social interaction and quality of life, and is associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Preventive measures central to tannhelsen are daily oral hygiene (toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, interdental cleaning), dietary control of fermentable sugars, smoking cessation, fluoride exposure and routine professional check-ups. Dental professionals involved in maintaining tannhelsen include dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants, offering services from preventive care and restorations to endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics and prosthodontics.

At the public health level, tannhelsen encompasses education, community prevention programs, access to care and policies that address disparities in oral health. Advances in materials, minimally invasive techniques and implantology continue to shape clinical practice, while ongoing research links oral health more closely to general health outcomes.