Oral Health and Its Effect on Overall Health
Oct 21, 2022
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Elephants lose their molars six times in their life, and the loss of their last set signifies they are near death because the health of their teeth is vital to the life of the elephant. Likewise, the health of human teeth is directly related to the health and longevity of human life. In fact, the oral health of individuals can be directly related to disease in humans.Dental Cares Impact on Social Wellness and Overall Health
According to the Healthy People 2030 initiative, oral health is one of the top 10 determinants in overall health of an individual. By having consistent access to dental care, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral-related issues are less likely to lead to more detrimental oral hygiene problems.
This consistent oral care can also decrease dental costs, as routine bi-annual checkups lead to less expensive interventions in the long run. When dentists catch potential oral problems before they progress, the overall health of a person is greater.
They experience less pain, are able to eat food uninhibited, and don’t face as many social stigmas when they have a nice inviting smile. These social stigmas can further impact an individual's overall health, as it may curtail a person’s job and earning potential, ultimately leading to better/worse health coverage and the ability to pay for routine oral care.
Oral Care’s Association with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
By receiving consistent dental care, individuals are also increasing their quality and longevity of life. A study performed by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) found that “ bacteria that cause gum disease are also associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, especially vascular dementia.”
According to CDC statistics, over 5.8 million Americans suffer from dementia, and these numbers are expected to reach 14 million in the next forty years. By age 85, a third of individuals will suffer from Alzheimer’s.
With this staggering statistic, it becomes increasingly important that dental care is treated as a priority, especially as we age.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death among adults and it impacts every aspect of the individual’s life. Early symptoms include signs of memory loss not typical of aging. As the disease progresses, individuals may not be able to engage in normal daily tasks. At first, an individual may not be able to manage their money. But then, they may have difficulty reading the time on a clock. Eventually, this disease will impact a person’s ability to prepare a simple meal, or even get dressed. This is in addition to forgetting their loved ones and may lead to strain, fear, and anger as family members strive to care for the person suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Those at Risk of Not Having Proper Dental Care
It’s unfortunate that with these staggering numbers, the elderly are more likely to be at risk of not having/receiving adequate dental care. Their access to oral care is further inhibited by socio-economic status, loss of health insurance, racial background, and whether or not the person is institutionalized (ie. nursing home).
It’s important to note that the federal Medicare program does not include routine dental exams. Additionally, it’s the disadvantage who are more likely to need dental care as they have poorer health overall due to poor diet and exercise, directly impacting their health.
With the projected cases of Dementia expected to almost triple within the next forty years, it’s important to begin prioritizing dental health now. It’s no secret that by taking preventative measures like routine checkups, health costs will be significantly lower over time.
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