Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” I abide by these words because if one cannot look after their health now, they will eventually face severe consequences and might put their life at risk.
One might say, “It is not even that big of a thing; you are just exaggerating, as after all, it is not always a life or death situation.” TRUE! But it is not always about death. It is about the kind of life you envision for yourself. Is it a life spent worrying about daily doses of medicine, stressful doctor appointments, and blood tests? Or is it a healthy, stress-free, long, and quality life?
Recent advances have increasingly demonstrated that the health of the oral cavity is intimately connected to the health of the entire body. This relationship between oral and overall health is multi-faceted. Nature has its own ways of warning us from danger, and similarly, oral health offers clues about overall health. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore their oral health and face severe health problems later in life, blaming their destiny rather than their ignorance.
Nowadays, people spend extravagantly on luxury and comfort but forget that good health, which cannot be bought, is invaluable. Understanding the connection between oral and systemic health is critical for developing holistic approaches to healthcare. The mouth, being an integral part of the body, greatly influences overall health.
As someone currently posted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, I see patients daily with complaints of dirty teeth or pain due to caries. Upon examination, it is disheartening to see that oral health is taken for granted. Oral health issues are much more than just dirty teeth.
Numerous studies have shown that patients with dry mouths or reduced salivation are at a higher risk of diabetes and subsequent health issues like caries and periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases, in particular, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Additionally, serious liver and kidney diseases can result in foul-smelling breath due to toxin buildup. Sometimes, bad breath or halitosis simply indicates poor oral hygiene.
The mouth is the gateway to the body. If not kept clean, bacteria from the oral cavity can travel to other organs, causing respiratory infections like pneumonia or even stomach issues. Healthy oral tissues act as the first line of defense against pathogens.
However, when oral health is compromised, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream, spreading toxins throughout the body and causing or worsening systemic conditions. For example, oral bacteria can worsen joint inflammation in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
Beyond systemic disorders, oral health provides vital clues about nutritional deficiencies. For instance, the color of the gums, teeth, and lips, along with the consistency of saliva and tongue size, can indicate vitamin deficiencies. A dry mouth can signal a vitamin A deficiency, while a deficiency in vitamin B can cause lesions like angular cheilitis.
One of the significant challenges faced by dentists during procedures is controlling bleeding. Bleeding depends on patient factors such as underlying diseases or psychological issues. For example, anxious patients often experience high blood pressure, while hypertensive patients may suffer from uncontrollable bleeding linked to vitamin K deficiency.
British biochemist Edward Mellanby reported that vitamin D deficiency, or rickets, can lead to developmental abnormalities in dentin and enamel, delayed eruption, misalignment of teeth, and higher caries incidence. Rickets are also linked with enamel hypoplasia.
Anaemic patients experience a different impact on oral health. Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, is a common symptom of pernicious anaemia. Patients often report painful, burning sensations on the tongue. Over time, the papillae atrophy, resulting in a smooth or "bald" tongue, often referred to as Hunter’s glossitis.
According to the studies of Robinson and Sarnat, a majority of patients with sickle cell anaemia exhibit significant bone changes in dental radiographs. Erythroblastosis foetalis may be manifested in teeth by the deposition of blood pigment in the enamel and dentin of the developing teeth, giving a green, brown, or blue hue.
It is well-recognized in experimental animals that the secretion of several endocrine organs, like the thyroid, adrenals, and gonads, may alter the eruption rate of teeth. In some cases of early eruption in humans, a poorly defined endocrine disturbance may be present. This may also be associated with systemic conditions, including rickets, cretinism, and cleidocranial dysplasia.
Talking anatomically, many syndromes or diseases directly affect tooth structure. A common example is congenital syphilis, where Hutchinson’s teeth are characterized by notched incisors on their incisal surface and irregularly shaped molars. Oral manifestations are seen in syndromes like Down syndrome and Pierre-Robin syndrome, varying from macroglossia, micrognathia, and glossoptosis. These manifestations help in the diagnosis of these conditions.
Some documents suggest that the immune response to oral bacteria might trigger an autoimmune reaction. Emerging evidence links poor oral hygiene, gingival inflammation, or tooth loss to cognitive decline, contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are numerous examples establishing the bridge between oral health and overall health, sharing risk factors such as inflammation, a poor immune system, or physiological or hormonal changes. Often, people neglect oral problems, leaving them untreated. These oral infections or diseases exacerbate and contribute to severe, sometimes unavoidable conditions beyond the mouth. Therefore, it is essential to maintain oral health and hygiene for a better quality of life.
Instead of regretting the future, why not focus on today and correct it?
Addressing these facts and statistics, we need integrated plans to bridge the gap between oral and systemic healthcare.
- Workshops: Organize workshops at workplaces, schools, and colleges to spread awareness.
- Rural Outreach: Set up camps in rural areas to educate the population about oral health.
- Social Media: Use social media platforms to create awareness through reels and videos. Advertisements can also be broadcast on television and in movie theatres.
- Anti-Smoking and Anti-Sugar Campaigns: Initiatives like these can reduce risk factors. Programs providing fluoride in drinking water in fluoride belts of India can also help.
- Occupational Safety: Workers in lead factories and similar industries should use well-suited uniforms to minimize exposure to harmful elements like phosphorus, which can cause necrosis or “phosyjaw.”
Educating the population about the crucial connection between oral and systemic health is vital. Neglecting oral health can exacerbate conditions. Encouraging regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing, and a balanced diet is essential. Many people practice incorrect brushing techniques, leading to improper cleaning and food lodgment.
Organizations should provide better facilities for those with low socio-economic status to reduce nutritional deficiencies that may lead to disorders like acute appendicitis. Awareness should extend to healthcare professionals, both dental and medical, enabling collaboration and comprehensive care.
Oral health assessment should be incorporated into primary care to identify early disease signs. Promoting research to further explore the link between oral and systemic health is crucial for developing innovative treatments and preventive measures.
Digitally advanced diagnostic tools for early detection should be encouraged. There is extensive evidence showing the association between oral and overall health. Understanding this relationship is critical for the well-being of society. A holistic healthcare approach combining oral and systemic health management can significantly improve patient outcomes.
After this, I’m sure you’ll agree that our oral cavity is not an isolated entity but a central figure of our body.
"Your mouth is the first line of defense; keep it strong to protect the rest."
By embracing this understanding and taking proactive measures, we can expand our healthcare landscape and move towards a healthier future with better outcomes for all.