How Oral Health and General Health are Related

How Oral Health and General Health Closely Related are Maintaining good oral health is important for a great smile, but did you know it can also impact the rest of your body, and provide warnings and symptoms regarding your general health? Global Statistics on Oral Health % 60-90% Almost 100 of adults have cavities. Severe gum of school children have cavities. disease is found in 20% of 35-44 year old adults. 30% of people aged 65-74 have no natural teeth. Oral disease is higher among poor and disadvantaged population groups. 50% of gum disease is caused by tobacco use. Millions of Oral cancer is the eighth most work and school days are lost due to oral diseases. common cancer in the world. Oral Diseases and Conditions Dental carities Tooth loss Periodontal CGum) disease Oral cancer Facial trauma Cleft lip palate Noma Unhealthy diet Tobacco use Causes Harmful alcohol use Poor oral hygiene How Systemic Disease Impacts Oral Health HM/Aids often manifests in the mouth. Diabetes can result in delayed wound healing and worsening of gum disease. leukaemia can result in mouth ulcers. low blood sugar level can be detected by a characteristic odour. Syphilis during pregnancy can result in characteristic tooth and palate malformation in the child. Measles is usually detected by characteristic spots on the inner cheeks. Down syndrome often includes a large tongue. Drug abuse is often associated with severe caries, and tooth loss. Bulimia often causes tooth erosions. Tetanus infection may result in lockjaw. Hom Oral Conditions Impact on General Health Gum disease can be a Gum disease can starting point for Noma. complicate diabetes. Oral bacteria are The mouth can be a Dental infections have been reservoir for bacteria associated with increased associated with infective associated with risk for pneumonia. atomach ulcers. arthritis. Gum disease has been Gum disease is linked to associated with higher risk of higher risk of cardiovascular disease. low-birthmeight babies. Hom to Decrease the Burden of Oral Diseases Decrease sugar intake. Ensure a balanced nutritional intahe to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. Consume fruit and Limit tobacco and alcohol oral hygiene. Ensure proper vegetables that fight against oral cancer. use completely to reduce risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease and tooth loss. Use protective eguipment when playing sport in Maintain a low level of fluoride in the cauity. This order to prevent facial injuries. can be obtained from fluoridated drinking water, salt, milk and toothpaste. References Dervla Leavy www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs318/en/ www.worldoralhealthday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FDIWhite DENTAL CARE Paper_OralHealthWorldwide.pdf www.who.int/oral_health/disease_burden/global/en/ www.dervlaleavydentalcare.com