The far-reaching effects of oral-systemic health

• Every three minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke.¹
• In 2024, an estimated 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer will occur.²
• In 2023, 10,660 liver transplants and 27,329 kidney transplants were performed, both record numbers.³
• In the US, there are approximately 110,000 new cancer diagnoses related to head and neck cancers and 17,000 deaths.⁴
  
  

What does all this have to do with dentistry?

The statistics for head and neck cancers are very much in the realm of dentistry, but why should dental professionals be interested in stroke, stomach cancer, and transplants, among other systemic diseases?

Oral-systemic health is no longer a subject on the fringe. Research shows it has far-reaching effects, and this puts dental professionals who see their patients frequently in a perfect position to make a difference.

In this roundup of articles from DentistryIQ, you’ll find the latest on the oral-systemic connection.

Brain health and stroke risk influenced by oral health

Up to 90% of strokes could be prevented by making lifestyle changes, one of which is improving oral hygiene. A recent study examined the significance of oral bacteria in the development of strokes.

Oral health and brain health

Transplants and oral-systemic infection

Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause infections throughout the body. Oral health is particularly critical for transplant patients who are often at increased risk of oral infections.

Oral health and transplant patients

Serious head and neck infections associated with poor oral hygiene

The risk of severe head and neck infections is exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. Lack of access to care is also a factor for infections requiring hospitalization. 

Oral health and head and neck infections

Poor oral health and oral dysbiosis

Scientists have discovered a significant link between poor oral health and systemic diseases (including specific cancers) centered around oral dysbiosis. Oral hygiene is crucial in balancing oral bacteria and promoting overall health.

Oral health and cancer

Oral screenings/assessments 

Dental professionals typically see their patients more often than their medical counterparts, so it makes sense to emphasize oral cancer screenings and other extra-/intraoral assessments for the health of your patients. Here are some resources from DentistryIQ, RDH, and Perio-Implant Advisory.

• The importance of adding oral cancer screenings to routine dental exams
• Extra- and intraoral tips to screen for oral cancer
• Why you should perform oral cancer screenings on every dental patient
• Your role in oral cancer screening: When, how, and why
• Increase in oral dysplasia and oral cancer rates due to COVID-19 alcohol-related consumption
• 7 essential oral-systemic assessments for your dental patients
  
  

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

References

1. Stroke facts. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed May 4, 2023. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
2. Key statistics about stomach cancer. American Cancer Society. Updated January 19, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
3. Continued increase in organ donation drives new records in 2023; new milestones exceeded. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 10, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/news/continued-increase-in-organ-donation-drives-new-records-in-2023-new-milestones-exceeded
4. Roberts TJ, Wirth L. Head and neck cancers 2022-2023 almanac. The ASCO Post. September 10, 2023. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://ascopost.com/issues/september-10-2023-supplement-head-neck-cancer-almanac/head-and-neck-cancers-2022-2023-almanac/

Vicki Cheeseman is an associate editor in Endeavor Business Media's Dental Group. She edits for Dental Economics, RDH, Perio-Implant Advisory, DentistryIQ, and Clinical Insights.