World Health Day: How dental care affects the overall health of the body

In the week of World Health Day, dental surgeon and Clinical Director of IKL Brasil, Dr. Thisa Light, highlights the urgent need for prevention in maintaining oral health and its profound impact on the overall health of the population. With her extensive experience and dedication to caring for her patients, she highlights the different aspects of oral diseases that negatively affect people throughout their lives.

“These diseases represent a major health concern and negatively impact people's quality of life. They are often associated with serious health problems, such as complications from tooth decay, as well as gum disease, such as gingivitis. Untreated, these conditions can become hotbeds of infection in the body, “Which leads to serious complications, such as bacterial endocarditis and even meningitis.”

Oral health effects also play a crucial role in the lives of high-performance athletes. The presence of dental infections can significantly reduce athletic performance, highlighting the importance of oral assessment before beginning training.

Complications of poor oral hygiene

One of the major complications resulting from lack of adequate hygiene is tooth decay, which can serve as a gateway to many other, more serious problems.

Moreover, oral diseases can be a source of the spread of bacteria throughout the body, increasing the risk of lung and heart diseases, especially in people with diabetes.

For pregnant women, lack of oral health care can lead to premature birth and complications for the baby. Other serious complications include the spread of HPV through gum lesions, and the development of cancer due to chronic inflammation in the mouth.

Prevention and healthy habits

In the face of these risks, preventive measures are necessary. In addition to comprehensive hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, tongue scrapers and mouthwash, regular visits to the dentist play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of oral problems, which contributes to maintaining overall oral and body health.

“Prevention is key to avoiding serious complications caused by oral diseases. By following healthy oral hygiene habits and making regular visits to the dentist, we can maintain not only the health of our mouth, but also the overall health of our body.” Taisa Light.