Oral Health - The 5th Pillar of Wellness

We are now entering a new era of health. Why, when, where and how did the mouth become separate from the rest of the body? The latest research is bringing to light an incontrovertible truth: oral health is an integral part of preventive cardiology, a substantial adjunct to diabetic care, and a major part of the prevention of any inflammatory disease.

Research has shown that nearly half of all healthcare expenses in the U.S. come from preventable chronic illnesses such as heart attacks—the number one cause of death—and strokes—the number one cause of disability. Oral health belongs alongside diet and nutrition; physical activity; stress management and tobacco cessation; and sleep as a fifth pillar of wellness because, like these essential aspects of health, it plays a large part in the prevention and management of these chronic conditions:

Even as few as two professional cleanings per year can reduce a person’s risk for heart attack by 25%, according to research presented at a recent American Heart Association meeting.

• Dental sleep therapy can provide a simple solution for the nearly 20 million people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and who are therefore at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Effective treatment of a sleep apnea patient can add ten years to his or her life.
• Appropriate periodontal treatment has been shown to be as effective in lower the A1c levels in diabetic patients as most medications, but without the adverse side effects.
• Case studies show that the lowering of Lp-PLAC₂ levels can be lowered by reduction of oral inflammation.
• Reduction in oral inflammation in diabetic patients can reduce their yearly overall healthcare costs by up to 25%.
• Oral biofilm-associated disease surpassed heart disease in total cost of healthcare, according to a study released recently.

Not all your patients are the same. Some of them have diabetes. Some have heart disease. Some are or will be pregnant. It is time for the medical and dental communities to accept what the research has been telling us for years: oral health is a key player in overall health. There are new ways to approach each individual with customized care that matches their health risks and that can add new dimensions to our profession.

Dentistry has always been one of the few medical sects specializing in prevention, and we already have many ways to address most of these problems. Simply put, appropriate periodontal treatments are dental solutions to medical problems. The biggest difference right now is that our work has new purpose and we are able to customize care with different combinations of treatment.

It’s time for all dental professionals to step up their standard of care. Don’t just give a dental checkup—provide a total wellness exam. Coordinate tests and build relationships with your patients’ physicians. The mouth is where life begins; don’t let it end there.