Medical practitioners have given reasons why people should maintain good oral hygiene at all times, disclosing that poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious health conditions like cancer, heart attacks, and renal failure.
According to them, poor oral hygiene can lead to the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can then travel to other parts of the body and cause serious damage.
The World Health Organisation says oral diseases which are largely preventable, pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death.
The Global Health Organization said that nearly 3.5 billion people are affected by oral disease.
Speaking in separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, a dentist and a public health physician stressed that oral hygiene is something that everyone should take seriously, as it can have a significant impact on overall health.
The experts maintained that taking care of one’s oral hygiene is not just about brushing and flossing, but also about visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
A dental specialist, Dr. Ahmed Ismail explained that several studies have shown the link of poor oral hygiene to oral cancer, Heart attack, and renal failure.
He further said findings have shown that poor oral hygiene results in the formation of nitrosamines which could cause oral cancers.
He added that chronic kidney patients are found to suffer numerous systemic complications that may contribute to poor oral health.
He stressed that many studies have shown that poor oral hygiene in itself causes oral cancer and heart disease.
He said, “Oral cancer is the 11th most common cancer of the human body, and Oral squamous Cell Carcinoma was found to be the most common oral cancer in several researches.
“The role of poor oral hygiene in the etiopathogenesis of oral cancer is controversial; however studies have shown that it aids the carcinogenic potential of other known carcinogens like tobacco and alcohol.
“In a particular case-control study assessing dental and periodontal status in patients with OSCC, it was found that 93.4 percent of cancer cases reported have brushed their teeth less than once daily.
“In another case-control study in Southern India, it was found that a large number of males diagnosed with OSCC use various teeth cleaning aids such as plant stick, arch, charcoal, tobacco, brick powder, salt other than tooth brush and fluoride-containing toothpaste.
“Areca or betel nut consumption is associated with oral pre-malignant conditions, such as oral submucous fibrosis, as well as OSCC. Oral submucous fibrosis being a result of areca nut chewing causes poor oral hygiene.
“Gingivitis and periodontal diseases occurring from poor oral hygiene cause bacteremia that leads to blockage of blood vessels to the heart and eventually results in cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack (myocardial infarction).”
On the role of poor oral hygiene in the case of kidney disease, Ismail explained, “Chronic kidney disease patients are found to suffer numerous systemic complications that may contribute to poor oral health.
“Although there are no specific signs in the oral cavity indicating the presence of CKD, several changes occur in the oral cavity that are associated with CKD itself or with the CKD therapy (such as dialysis). Chronic kidney disease has been reported to cause tooth decay (dental caries), gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis, oral mucosa ulceration, xerostomia (mouth dryness), salivary glands disease, taste disturbance, and mouth odor.
“Persons with low immune system (immunocompromised patients), AIDS patients, individuals with organ transplant, people on prolonged use of steroids, Chronic smoke or smokeless tobacco and excessive alcohol intake, betel or Areca nut chewers.”
When asked how best to prevent bad oral, the dentist said people need to brush twice daily and engage in regular dental checkups.
“Using appropriate teeth cleaning materials ( Fluoride containing toothpaste and appropriate toothbrush).
“Use of dental flossing and mouthwashes. People need to quit alcohol and tobacco intake
“Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and intake of vitamins ( deficiency of vitamin A, fruits and vegetables has been reported to be associated with oral cancer and some systemic diseases)
“Avoid oral sex ( Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known to cause oral cancer and especially throat cancer. It’s usually transmitted via oral sex, which is common among young people,” he concluded.
Similarly, a Professor of Public Health, Tanimola Akande said frequent inflammation of the gum from poor oral hygiene contributes to the link between poor oral hygiene and cancer, renal failure, and heart attacks.
Akande, who is a former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, explained that inflammation of the gums may promote cancer cells’ growth.
According to him, bacteria from poor oral hygiene can get into the bloodstream and affect the heart while its effect on the kidney may be due to inflammation or immune response following oral infection.
On how best to improve oral hygiene, the professor of public health said, “Measures to improve oral hygiene include brushing the teeth twice a day and replacement of toothbrush regularly; use of dental floss to removes plaques in-between the teeth; use of mouthwash to remove bacteria in the mouth; drinking enough water to produce adequate saliva and regular dental checks.
“Poor oral hygiene often causes bad breath (halitosis); tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).”
When asked how people can know if they have poor oral hygiene, Akande explained, “Poor oral hygiene should be evident when the individual knows he or she is not practicing good oral hygiene or when others stay away from them as a result of mouth odor. Frequent inflammation of the gums is often an indicator of poor oral hygiene
“Persons with bad mouth odor, and inflammation of the gums need to see their dentists.”
A study, published in the journal BMC Oral Health, found that poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and dementia.
The researchers analyzed data from over 350,000 people and found that those with poor oral hygiene had a 26 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a 14 percent higher risk of respiratory disease, and an 11 percent higher risk of dementia.
Another study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
The researchers analyzed data from over 80,000 people and found that those with poor oral hygiene had a 78 percent higher rate.
