Description
Oral health serves as a crucial indicator of overall systemic well-being, often revealing early signs of underlying conditions. Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune conditions frequently manifest through symptoms like gum inflammation, oral infections, or dry mouth. Poor oral hygiene can also exacerbate systemic inflammation, contributing to the progression of chronic illnesses. Therefore, maintaining oral health is not just about the mouth—it plays a vital role in holistic health monitoring and disease prevention.
Summary Listen
- Oral health is not just about teeth, but a window to overall systemic health, intertwined with conditions like heart disease, brain health, and more. Neglecting oral health can have far-reaching consequences beyond the mouth. This perspective echoes historical concerns, with the Lancet highlighting the mouth as a potential source of infection as far back as 1891.
- Various oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, and oral cancers, reflect the socioeconomic disparities prevalent in healthcare access and outcomes. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often experience poorer oral health. This connection between oral health and systemic diseases is being increasingly recognized, particularly its association with non-communicable diseases.
- Chronic periodontitis, a common inflammatory condition affecting the gums, is now being considered as a major risk factor for systemic diseases. Research indicates possible links between gum inflammation and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Gut microbiome is a rising area that still isn't fully understood with many variables impacting a host from genetics to geography to social economics.
- The oral microbiome plays a critical role in this intricate relationship. Dysbiosis in the mouth, the systemic spread of oral pathogens can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut and immune system, contributing to overall health issues. Factors such as tooth loss have significant implications for an individual's quality of life and life expectancy, impacting nutrition and overall well-being.
- Focusing on children's health, a bidirectional relationship exists between malnutrition and dental caries. Poor nutrition contributes to high rates of early childhood caries, especially in low-income countries. Additionally, chronic dental pain in children can severely affect their physical, social, and emotional development, highlighting the broader impact of oral health on overall well-being.
- Climate change adds another layer to this complex issue, as women are disproportionately affected by climate-related food insecurity. Malnutrition during pregnancy, resulting from poor oral health, increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and low birth weight infants. It reinforces the need for comprehensive approaches that address both oral health and nutrition to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- Integration of oral health into broader healthcare systems is critical for addressing the global burden of oral diseases. National oral health care implementation frameworks are essential for promoting preventative care and treatment strategies. Oral health initiatives can be achieved through increased collaboration and increased synergies within different professional healthcare settings.
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About the Speakers
Dr. Raman Preet
Senior EU Research Expert, Global Health University, Sweden
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