Oral health is a part of a person’s general health. Thus, the right to oral health is covered by the right to health and includes the right to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other conditions which affect the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw.
What is oral health?
The World Health Organisation has recognised that:
“Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment.“
Oral health is a part of the general health concept. Oral health may indicate the status of a person‘s general health. There are a number of linkages between oral and general health, such as chronic illnesses that are related to poor oral health, for example, heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, according to certain reports, timely and accurate oral health care may help to increase a person‘s overall physical and mental health.
What is dentistry?
Dentistry, also known as oral or dental medicine, focuses on a person’s oral health care. It includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other conditions which affect the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. Depending on the particular situation and a patient’s needs, dental services may be classified as acute or planned oral health care.
Oral health & Human Rights
Oral health is a part of the general health concept. Thus the right to oral health is covered by the right to [general] health. Access to oral care is a human rights issue, as it is inseparable from a person’s general health and well-being. The right to oral health as a part of the right to health includes the right to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other conditions which affect the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. These rights are also linked to the right to life, the right to private life and the prohibition of ill-treatment.
About this section
In this section, you can learn what oral health and dentistry are, and the type of oral health care services financed in Latvia.