The relationship between oral health and overall health first became apparent in 1989, and ever since then, the oral cavity has been referred to as a window into a patient’s general state of health. Many adages, such as “The mouth is part of the body” and “You cannot have good general health without good oral health,” point to the connection between oral and systemic health.
Understanding Oral Health And Its Impact
The term “oral health” refers to various anatomical structures, including the gums, bones, ligaments, muscles to having healthy teeth. Because it impacts some of our most fundamental human functions, which shape one’s perception of oneself and sense of well-being. Willoughby D. Miller noted that oral microbes played a part in the emergence of brain abscess, pulmonary, and gastric diseases in 1879 and asserted “oral foci of infection as a cause of systemic diseases.”
The Role Of Oral Infections In Systemic Diseases
A focus of infection is a small area of tissue colonized by microorganisms. Directions of disease can spread to organs through the bloodstream, which can cause bacteremia, inflammation, and metastatic tissue damage. Oral microorganisms have been identified as a potential source of infection in several systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and kidney disease. Periodontal disease and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and preterm low birth weight are among the oral conditions with a clear link.
Impact Of Oral Care On Overall Health
Various medical conditions can influence dental health and vice versa. But the metabolic changes brought on by diabetes mellitus can account for the increased tissue deterioration that characterizes diabetic periodontitis. In turn, periodontal disease, like other infections, has been demonstrated to exacerbate glycemic control in diabetic patients, and diabetic patients who receive adequate periodontal care have lower overall medical costs.
Connections With Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes
Myocardial infarction and periodontal disease are two other minor associations observed, but studies have not established a causal link. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between periodontal disease and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes like premature births, fetal growth restriction, and other complications. However, it needs to be clarified why these associations exist.
Health Considerations For Patients With Chronic Illnesses
When a patient have oral health problems and has a chronic illness like cancer or HIV infection, oral care should be a crucial component of their medical treatment. Additionally, the effects of medications like antihistamines, antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, anxiety medications, antipsychotics, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants taken by the patient for systemic diseases can negatively affect the oral mucosal tissues, leading to symptoms like dry mouth, lichenoid reactions, ulcerations, candidiasis, gingival bleeding, and enlargement.
Addressing Public Health Issues – Tobacco Use
Public health issues have arisen from tobacco use, especially among young people. The negative effects of tobacco use on oral and systemic health should be made more widely known by dental professionals. Tobacco users should be made aware that smoking not only harms the lungs and other organs. But can also cause the onset and progression of serious illnesses.
Oral Health And Cancer
Oral and pharyngeal cancers are examples of how there is a link between oral health and general health. According to the American Cancer Society (2008), there are over 35K new oral and pharyngeal cancer cases yearly and nearly 8,000 deaths. Male African Americans, in particular, have a disproportionately high incidence of oral cancer, are generally detected at later stages, and have a significantly lower 5-year survival rate.
Also Read:- Why is Teeth Cleaning Important?
The Role Of Oral Health Care Professionals
Professionals in the field of oral health care are pioneers in the detection of oral diseases. And in informing patients of the link between oral and systemic health. Making patients aware of the oral symptoms of various systemic diseases is a useful use of verbal health counselling. Compliance with counselling sessions and treatment compliance depends on patients’ perceptions of their dentist as a doctor. Practitioners should possess provocative verbal communication skills to educate patients thoroughly.
Raising Public Awareness Of Oral Health Importance
To maintain functional ability as people age, older people should receive specialized care and education about improve your oral hygiene. So raise public awareness of the importance of oral health, organizations can organize educational campaigns, audio-visual aids, slogans etc. Dental professionals should use referral forms to educate doctors about the connection between oral and systemic health.
Conclusion
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