Oral Health and General Health

Oral Health and General Health

Oral diseases are among the most common diseases of humankind, yet they receive little attention in our country with week health care system. despite a high social and economic burden from oral diseases they are considered a neglected area of international health.

Oral health and general health have close linkages. on the one hand ,oral health can be compromised by a number of chronic and infectious diseases which show symptoms in the mouth. on the other hand ,oral diseases can lead to infection, inflammation and other serious impacts on overall health thus, maintaining good oral health is crucial to sustain general health and vice versa.

Impacts of oral conditions on general health

The mouth can reflect the state of general health. conversely , oral diseases can have an impact on general health.

·         Endentulousness (loss of teeth) within the elderly population results in impaired ability to chew and can lead to malnutrition.

·         Gum disease can be the starting point of noma

·         Dental infections have been associated with higher increased risk for pneumonia

·         Oral bacteria are associated with infective endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s inner lining)

·         Gum disease has been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease

·         The mouth may be a reservoir for bacteria associated with stomach ulcers

·         Gum disease can complicate diabetes

·         Gum disease has been associated with higher risk of pre-term babies

·         Gum disease has been associated with higher risk of low-birthweight babies

·         Oral bacteria are associated with infective arthritis

Impacts of systemic disease on oral health

·         HIV/AIDS often manifests in the mouth

·         Low blood sugar level can be detected by a characteristic odour

·         Teteracycline antibiotic use by pregnant mothers or children can result in an enamel malformation and staining of the children’s teeth

·         Measles is usually detected by characteristic spots on the inner cheeks

·         Tuberculosis may show as a characteristic ulcer of the tongue surface or other oral tissues

·         Xerostomia (dry mouth due to lack of saliva)results in rapid dental decay

·         Tetanus infection may result in lockjaw

·         Scurvy ,a viitamin c deficiency, can result in swollen, bleeding gums and tooth loss

·         Diabetes can result in delayed wound healing and worsening of gum disease

·         Leukaemia may result in oral ulcers

·         Syphilis during pregnancy can result in characteristic tooth and palate malformation in the child

·         Stress and psychological disorders can lead to grinding, clenching and TMJ  joint problems

·         Down syndrome often includes an enlarged tongue

·         Drug abuse is often associated with severe caries and tooth loss

·         Bulimia often causes characteristic tooth erosions(from gastric acid)

·         Various genetic syndromes cause malformation of teeth and jaws