The compartmentalization involved in viewing the mouth separately from the rest of the body must cease because oral health affects general health by causing considerable pain and suffering and by changing what people eat, their speech and their quality of life and well being.” World Health Organization. (suggest this in a separate box)

Have you ever imagined a day without teeth? Visits to the dentist usually occur after bouts of toothache or sensitivity, followed by a generic exclamation, “why invest time and resources in teeth?” Do you realize your dental disease started when you were a child? Symptoms of oral disease emerge long after the disease has progressed. Why do many people endure needless pain, affecting their overall health, personal and well being, when almost all oral diseases can be prevented?

The answer lies in understanding the link between oral health and general health.

Dental diseases are epidemic. More than 90 percent of the population lives with some form of dental disease.

A person’s mouth is home to more than 300 species of microorganisms. As teeth are the only non-shedding surface of the human body, they are the origin of pathogenic organisms to the rest of the body.

It is now known that oral infection, especially gum disease, can increase the risk of heart valve disease, stroke, lung infection, diabetes, osteoporosis and low birth weight. Periodontitis or gum disease is the swelling, infection and gradual destruction of the tooth. It presents as common dental problems such as swollen and bleeding gums, loosening of the teeth, bad breath and premature loss of teeth. It is the most destructive form of dental disease.

Dental decay is a slow, irreversible and progressive disease resulting from diet, bad oral hygiene, genetics, oral bacteria, and systemic disease.

If left untreated a decaying tooth can lead to acute pain, skin, muscle and bone infections and a potentially life-threatening condition called Ludwig’s Angina. This condition if left untreated may obstruct the airways and cause death.

The British Dental Journal states tooth decay affects body weight, growth, quality of life and cognitive development in children.

According to the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms.

The Saudi Medical Journal reports the overall prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom is 32 percent and gastro-intestinal conditions is 75 percent.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for periodontal diseases than most. High blood sugar provides a favorable environment for microbes to multiply in the mouth. Diabetics may also experience bad breath or fruity (acetone-like) breath, swollen gums, a high risk of alveolar bone loss, oral thrush, dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, dental decay and early loss of teeth.

Gastrointestinal disturbances include high stomach acidity, heartburn or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. As a result erosion or the chemical wearing of tooth surfaces can occur.

Pregnancy, puberty, hormonal disturbances of the thyroid, parathyroid glands, oral contraceptives and birth control pills contribute to gum disease and premature tooth loss. Oral infections during pregnancy can contribute to low birth weight.

Dental decay and premature tooth loss can result in the misalignment of teeth, which can in turn compromise a person’s facial features and self-esteem.

The cost of treating dental disease is almost 21 percent of overall health care costs. Simple prevention of tooth decay and gum disease could reduce dental costs by 60 percent in the long term.

Good oral health is essential not only to prevent oral disease but also to maintain good health.

As a result, research has shifted from the cause of dental disease to how dental disease affects overall health.

If common dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease, affect millions, then intervention to eradicate these problems is an important way to enhance growth and well being. Treatment can make a significant difference to the psychological and social aspects of the person’s life. It is time to stop living with that toothache and plan a visit to your dentist.