What if oral health was the perfect reflection of a patient's general health? As a dental surgeon, you have a front-row seat for information about your patients' general health. We mustn't forget that, on the one hand, good dental health is a key indicator of a patient's general good health, and that taking care of them in the best possible way, and on the other hand, your preventive role is key to reducing the risk of developing other correlated pathologies such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease.
Oral health & general health:
Taking care of your mouth and teeth reduces the risk of developing other correlated pathologies such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease, and of deteriorating your general state of health.
Oral health and heart disease:
Studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of developing various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Inflammation is a common factor underlying both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, which can enter the bloodstream and promote inflammation throughout the body. This systemic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Also, bacterial infections, such as gum disease, can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Some oral bacteria can be drawn into the lungs, causing a respiratory infection or chronic bronchitis. Bacteria on teeth can also migrate to the heart and liver via the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease such as infective endocarditis. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans have been found in atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. These bacteria can contribute directly to the development of plaque formation and subsequent cardiovascular events.
Dysfunction of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, is an early marker of cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that oral infections and associated inflammation can impair endothelial function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Oral health and diabetes:
Periodontal disease has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The inflammation associated with periodontal disease can affect the body's ability to control blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Poor oral health, including gum disease, can make it difficult for people with diabetes to achieve and maintain good blood sugar control. Inflammation and infection of the oral cavity can contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, making effective glycemic control more difficult.
Conversely, people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Diabetes can alter the body's natural defense mechanisms against infection, making it easier for bacteria to infect the gums. High blood sugar levels can also create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Indeed, today we are able to establish a link between oral health and heart disease or diabetes, although correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Nevertheless, maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care are essential for overall health, including cardiovascular health.
Mental health and oral health:
Neglecting oral hygiene, avoiding dental care and engaging in harmful behaviors such as smoking or substance abuse can be signs of underlying mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or addiction.
Bruxism can be one of the signs of high anxiety, and can lead to dental problems such as tooth wear, fractures and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, can have serious consequences for oral health. The frequent vomiting associated with bulimia exposes teeth to stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion and an increased risk of cavities. Malnutrition resulting from eating disorders can also affect gum health and oral health in general.
Good oral hygiene has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Research has shown that people with healthy teeth and gums are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety than those with poor oral hygiene. What's more, taking care of your teeth and gums is often seen as a sign of self-care that can help boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of stress or helplessness.
Allisone at the service of the practitioner and his patient !
In today's ultra-connected, post-covid world, patients are investing in their health and using online resources to inform themselves. This also means that they are putting themselves in a position where, thanks to the information at their disposal, they are much more likely to question what their healthcare professionals can advise them.
Dental care is often difficult for patients to understand, especially when incipient pathologies cause no pain or symptoms.
With Allisone, the aim is to provide a set of visual and accessible tools for patients, so that they can understand what is being explained and make the right choices for their oral health, in order to prevent various pathologies and their impact on their general health.
With Allisone, for the first time, practitioners have a communication tool that enables them and their patients to visualize, together, the elements present on the X-ray and treatment proposals. This easy-to-use, interactive tablet-based visualization presents the X-ray in color and an image bank to explain treatment options, in less than 2 seconds. Practitioners can also provide their patients with a consultation report including the X-ray image and its report, the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner, and educational sheets to ensure they have the right information at hand.
Today, Allisone supports and facilitates the day-to-day work of dental practitioners, giving them the tools they need to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of their teeth, and to democratize access to dental care.
- According to the WHO, 25% of Europeans over 65 are partially or totally edentulous.
- According to the WHO, 10% to 15% of adults worldwide suffer from severe periodontitis.
