Dentists highlight link between dental care, overall well-being

Afra Afzal Sait l NT

Bengaluru: Oral health is intricately connected to our overall well-being, influencing our physical, nutritional, emotional and social aspects of life. Prioritising oral care is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care are essential steps to reduce the risk of systemic health issues associated with oral diseases, say dentists.

Dr. Vivek Bagga, a senior lecturer at Ambedkar Dental College and a specialist in Maxiofacial surgery and implantology, emphasises the link between poor oral health and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Healthy teeth and gums also play a crucial role in proper digestion and nutrition, affecting speech clarity, self-confidence, and social interactions.

Ultimately, this improves the quality of life and psychological wellbeing of individuals, Dr Bagga said. Dr. Sharief Zohra, another dentist at HSR Dental Booth, highlights the global health burden of neglecting oral hygiene.

Gum disease affects 20-50 per cent of people worldwide, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, Dr Zohra said.

Poor oral health can disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbating respiratory conditions like COPD, contributing to malnutrition, and causing economic burdens due to costly dental treatments, Dr Zohra added.

The dentist further advised regular tooth brushing which offers multiple health benefits, including reducing the risk of gum disease and associated chronic diseases, minimizing harmful bacteria, aiding in the early detection of oral cancer, enabling proper chewing for a balanced diet and overall well-being, and reducing the burden of associated diseases.

'Brushing: A simple key to better health'

• Brushing prevents gum disease and reduces the risk of associated health issues such as heart disease and respiratory infections
• Regular brushing reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing infections and inflammation in other parts of the body
• Oral care can lead to the early detection of oral cancers, improving treatment outcomes
• Healthy teeth, maintained through regular brushing, allow for proper chewing and digestion, thereby maintaining nutritional health
• Good oral hygiene enhances overall well-being, boosting self-esteem and preventing discomfort and pain associated with oral diseases.

DR. QURRATH SHARIEF Founder of Endomax Dental and Implant Center, an international speaker, senior lecturer at Ambedkar Dental College, BDS, MDS (root canal specialist and cosmetic surgeon), and microscopic specialist.