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#1 The most common chronic disease in the United States is dental disease, which affects more than 18 million American children. Teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but among adults over 65, nearly one in five have lost all of their teeth.

#2 The mouth is the gateway to your body, and it is affected by everything that goes through it. Poor oral health can be a result of systemic disease, or the cause of it. The microorganisms in an unhealthy mouth can cause not only cavities and gum disease, but also chronic inflammation.

#3 The maxilla, which is the bone that forms the upper jaw, has a profound influence on the shape of the nose, lips, teeth, cheekbones, and eyes. It also contains the maxillary sinuses. The maxilla is intimately connected to many other facial structures, and its proper growth is critical in the development of the dentition, bite, and support structures that control the tongue and airway.

#4 The growth and development of dental occlusion is a very long process that starts during week six of intrauterine life and ends during the late teen years or shortly after 20 years of age. The growth of the jaws and teeth is influenced by both genetics and environment.