Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Is the Gateway to General Health and Well-Being

The association between routine oral health care practices such as professional dental services and daily self-care measures and their beneficial impacts on overall health and well-being have been well documented. Research continues to demonstrate that poor oral health has been associated not only with dental issues but also with an augmented risk of developing or exacerbating certain diseases (eg, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases), and it can also affect an individual’s quality of life and self-esteem.¹ Study results also show that improper oral hygiene contributes to dental caries and periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, halitosis, tooth loss, xerostomia, and other oral health issues.¹

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Recent Clinical Data on the Impact of Oral Health

A May 2024 article in the Journal of Dental Research revealed a correlation between gum disease and an augmented risk of cryptogenic ischemic stroke, particularly among individuals younger than 50 years with unexplained stroke causes. However, more research is required to confirm whether maintaining healthy gums can diminish the risk of stroke, especially in this patient population.²

According to results of another study, published in Cells, statin medications may help lessen the inflammation associated with periodontal disease, due to their anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects. The authors demonstrated that simvastatin suppresses macrophage inflammatory response and upregulates tissue homeostasis and M2 macrophage markers. This emphasizes the need for more comprehensive and detailed research in oral health.³

Finally, according to results of a study published in Nature, a specific subtype of bacteria known as Fusobacterium nucleatum, associated with periodontal disease, has been discovered to promote the growth of colorectal tumors. Findings from this study suggest that therapies targeting this bacteria in tumors could aid in diminishing the severity of some colorectal cancers; however, more research is warranted.⁴

Expanding Awareness About Oral Health Care

Recent data from surveys and clinical publications highlight the continual need to expand awareness about the importance of routine oral health care.

In February 2024, a survey of 2000 adults in the US regarding oral health practices revealed that some participants admitted forgetting to brush their teeth as many as 5 times per week and skipped flossing and mouthwash 4 days a week.⁵ However, 92% believe oral health is essential to overall health, 81% routinely visit the dentist, 75% brush multiple times each day, and 60% routinely use mouthwash. In the past year, reports of sensitive teeth, plaque buildup, and bleeding gums were reported in 34%, 28%, and 24% of participants, respectively, and 76% used oral products to target their individual oral needs. An estimated 25% reported feeling “embarrassed” by their current oral health.⁵

The Delta Dental Plans Association annually releases the State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.⁶ Key findings from the 2024 report included that 91% of adults believe routine dental visits are as vital as annual physical exams, 92% agree that oral health enhances overall confidence, and 77% understand the link between oral health and overall well-being and mental health. Among pediatric patients, the survey found that 72% brush their teeth twice daily, and 50% floss once daily.⁶

Additionally, motivators for maintaining oral health included fresh breath (61%), whiter teeth (60%), and an attractive smile (58%). Motivators for preventative dental care included reducing severe dental issues (57%) and having dental insurance that covers dental visits and professional cleaning (51%).⁶

Like other areas of health care, teledentistry has become an increasingly popular option, allowing patients to receive consultations, evaluations, and advice remotely via video calls or mobile apps. The survey revealed that younger patients are particularly interested in tele-dentistry, with 47% of adult respondents saying they would use teledentistry when pursuing oral health care and 54% saying they would have confidence in the care received remotely.⁶

The Role of the Pharmacist

Pharmacists can be a valuable educational resource for patients seeking guidance in the selection and proper use of oral health products, including multiple formulations of dentifrices such as those for sensitive teeth and gums, flossing products, topical fluorides, cosmetic and therapeutic mouth rinses, and tooth whitening products. There are also many manual and electric toothbrushes to meet the needs of adult and pediatric patients, products for the prevention and treatment of dry mouth, and treatments for canker sores and toothache relief. The most common pharmacist-recommended dental products can be reviewed in the 2024 Pharmacy Times OTC Guide.

Pharmacists can also be instrumental in encouraging patients with severe dental issues to seek further medical care from dental professionals. Due to their drug expertise, pharmacists can identify patients at augmented risk of dental problems because of certain medications or medical conditions and make clinical recommendations tailored to patient needs, when warranted. They can also educate patients about the importance of routine professional dental care, which is crucial for maintaining oral health integrity and reducing or preventing oral health issues.

Through patient education initiatives, pharmacists can emphasize that routine oral health care, early detection of oral health issues, and clinical intervention, when warranted, are all critical steps to preserving good oral health, which can give patients a reason to smile.

References

1. Okobi E, Okobi OE, David AB, Ofochukwu VC. Oral health considerations for adults aged 18 years or more seeking dental care in the past year: a CDC oral health data analysis. Cureus. 2024;16(1):e52200. doi:10.7759/cureus.52200

2. Leskelä J, Putaala J, Martinez-Majander N, et al. Periodontitis, dental procedures, and young-onset cryptogenic stroke. J Dent Res. 2024;103(5):494-501. doi:10.1177/00220345241232406

3. Alkakhan W, Farrar N, Sikora V, et al. Statins modulate microenvironmental cues driving macrophage polarization in simulated periodontal inflammation. Cells. 2023;12(15):1961.doi:10.3390/cells12151961

4. Zepeda-Rivera M, Minot SS, Bouzek H, et al. A distinct Fusobacterium nucleatum clade dominates the colorectal cancer niche. Nature. 2024;628(8007):424-432. doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07182-w

5. Joyce S. Americans forget to brush 5x/week, survey finds. Dentistry iQ. March 30, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/public-health/article/14310732/americans-forget-to-brush-5x-week-surveyfinds

6. The 2024 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. Delta Dental. 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/state-of-americas-oral-health-report.html