In the part of the world where I come from I noticed that one of the most neglected part of our body is the oral cavity though it is one of the most used parts of the body yet so neglected. And i feel the reason for this is as a result of poor awareness of the benefits of a good oral health. But first what is a good oral health, according to WHO a good oral health is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual's capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.
In April 2015 the Tokyo declaration on oral health was made and the main purpose was because a good oral health prolongs live
And it makes one wonder how does good oral health prolongs life. Studies have shown that people with poor oral health are prone to a lot of diseases or may aggravate the presence of an existing disease. The following are some health conditions that may be worsen by a poor oral health
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
3.Stroke
4.Pregnancy complications - Alzeihmer's disease
6.Respiratory disease
7.Osteoporosis - Oral cancer
- Overall inflammation
Let me talk about each
- DIABETES: periodontal pathogens when attacked by host cells can cause an increase inflammatory factors this can lead to insulin resistance( hormone responsible for blood sugar control) which will eventually worses patients condition.
- HEART DISEASE: Bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream through the gum and sticks to fatty plaques in the blood tream directly contributing to blockage, this triggers inflammatory response causing the blood vessels to swell decreasing blood flow and increases the risk of clot formation also this bacteria can infect the heart valves.
- STROKE: Bacteria from the mouth is the main cause fatty deposit in the carotid arteries in stroke sufferers.
- PREGNANCY COMPLICATION: oral diseases present in expecting mothers can lead to low birthweights and premature births.
- ALZEIHMER'S DISEASE: patients of this disease have a high amount of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with oral disease.
- RESPIRATORY DISEASE: Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can increase the risk in susceptible patients to pnemonia, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease.
- OSTEOPOROSIS: reduction in bone mass is associated with gum disease and tooth loss.
- ORAL CANCER: chronic inflammation of the oral cavity may lead to loss of bone and increase risk of oral cancer.
- OVERALL INFLAMMATION: Studies indicate that oral disease may add to overall inflammation in the body by raising C-reactive protein index.
Just like the common African proverb that says there is no god like the throat it recieves sacrifices daily. I will like to urge us all to treat this god with respect. If there is anything you don't agree with just let me know that is why I'm still a student and i believe i still have more to learn each and everyone I come in contact with. Thanks