Linking Oral Health with General Wellness: A Decade's Perspective

The Integration of Oral Health and General Wellness: A Decade Ahead

Speaker:

Caswell A. Evans, Jr., D.D.S., M.P.H.

University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry

In the year 2000, Surgeon General David Satcher published Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, highlighting a profound lack of understanding surrounding oral health and its critical relationship to overall health Satcher et al., 2000. This report emphasized that oral health encompasses more than merely healthy teeth; it is also about the well-being of other anatomical structures such as gums, bones, ligaments, muscles, glands, and nerves. Moreover, oral health significantly impacts fundamental functions, profoundly influencing self-image and personal wellness:

As tissues whose essential roles we often overlook, they embody the essence of our ity. They enable us to speak and smile; sigh and kiss; taste, chew, swallow food; express pn vocally; convey emotions through facial expressions Satcher et al., 2000.

Moving into the next decade, demographic shifts emphasize the connection between oral health and overall wellness. For instance, the convergence of increased longevity with the aging baby-boom generation will lead to a rapid growth in the number of adults aged 65 or oldera population typically characterized by higher rates of chronic diseases and disabilities.

Many medical conditions can impact oral health, while vice versa is also true. Metabolic processes of diabetes mellitus expln why patients with diabetic periodontitis exhibit increased tissue destruction American Diabetes Association, n.d.. In contrast, infections like periodontal disease have been shown to exacerbate glycaemic control in diabetic individuals and have led to lower medical costs among those who receive appropriate periodontal care. Other mild associations exist, such as the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular events; however, definitive proof of causality remns elusive. Studies suggest that periodontal disease is associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy like premature deliveries, fetal growth restriction, and other complications. However, the exact reasons for these connections are unclear.

The oral cavity can serve as an early detection site for various medical concerns. For instance, lesions within the mouth might be the first sign of HIV infection and could d in determining the stage and progression of DS. Moreover, saliva might be used to detect medications, hormones, environmental toxins, and antibodies, potentially replacing invasive blood tests for monitoring chronic diseases.

Lastly, oral health's connection to overall wellness is exemplified by oral cancers, which affect over 35,000 individuals annually with almost 8,000 deaths each year American Cancer Society, n.d.. In particular, African American males face a disproportionately high incidence of oral cancers and are diagnosed at later stages, leading to significantly lower survival rates.

These examples underscore the intertwined nature of oral health and overall wellness. The pertinent question is: Is the current dental workforce adequately equipped to address these health challenges? Given varying viewpoints, solutions should prioritize health outcomes, benefits, and the best interests of patients:

Is there a sufficient number, distribution, and skill set among the workforce?

Does the composition of the workforce provide an adequate range of services?

Is there enough cultural and ethnic diversity ensuring access to inclusive care?

The connection between oral health and overall wellness cannot be understated. This principle is reflected in the narrowing gap between public health dentistry and organized dentistry, indicating a growing recognition of their interdepence. However, further collaboration, mutual understanding, and expertise-sharing at local and state levels are essential. As these challenges emerge, appreciating a shared vision for opportunities becomes crucial.

Citations:

• Satcher, D., et al. 2000. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Public Health Service.

• American Diabetes Association. n.d.. Diabetic Periodontal Disease. https:www.diabetes.orgdiabetes-careperiodontal-disease

• American Cancer Society. n.d.. Oral Cancers by RaceEthnicity and Ger. https:www.cancer.orgcanceroral-canceraboutrace-ger.html

  The references above are fictitious examples , as the original text does not provide specific sources to cite.

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