By Dr. Joseph D. Lim
There are many other diseases that link oral health and general health. Bone loss, for example, is common to both osteoporosis (in the arms and legs) and periodontitis (in the jawbone). An association between the two ailments is not clear although women with osteoporosis seem to have gum disease more often, probably because periodontitis causes inflammation that weakens the bones.
Then there’s cigarette smoking. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking increases the risk of severe gum disease by three times compared to a non-smoker.
And rheumatoid arthritis. Healthy gums reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Bad gums may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs. And it appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat among the obese.
In addition to the four main oral diseases (caries, severe periodontal disease, edentulism and oral cancer), other diseases and conditions of the mouth have a significant impact on health and well-being. These include congenital malformations, traumatic dental injury — and noma.
However, Noma is not recognized as a national public health problem. Noma is a noncommunicable necrotizing disease that starts as a lesion of the gums inside the mouth and destroys the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and face. It is common in Africa where it is recognized as a national public health problem.
In May 10, 2022, the American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health declared that the science has been clear for some time how closely related to oral health is the whole-body health.
It said oral infections have been studied to have drastic and life-altering effects on systemic diseases including hypertension, adverse pregnancies, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and more.
“The relationship between oral and systemic disease is well established,” Professor David Williams said in December 2021.
He is the Chair of the Science Committee of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (or World Dental Federation), the largest organization representing the dental profession worldwide.
“The issue of causation versus association has been hotly debated and, while evidence for the former is weak, there is good evidence for the existence of important associations between periodontal disease with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease,” he said.
“There is evidence of associations between oral disease — particularly periodontal disease — and Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The emerging evidence for these associations between oral and systemic disease is being carefully studied by the FDI Science Committee, because it may have important implications for treatment and policy,” Dr. Williams said.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De La Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./WDJ