The global nee for improvement in
oral health
It is becoming increasingly
evident to medical professionals, as well as others, that oral health affects
and reflects the health of patients. Hopefully, this is in a positive way. At
the same time, oral and dental health appear to go hand
in hand. Good oral health is equated with good general health in
the same way that good dental health is frequently associated with one's
personal beauty, which is considered to be a good thing.
From a medical perspective,
oral and dental health and hygiene are gradually becoming increasingly
sophisticated, more dynamic and professional in nature.
Maximum oral and dental health
suggests maximum overall health and well being, as well as minimum disease
processes, occurring in the human body. Individually, collectively and
globally, health care professionals from all around the world, continue to
focus on improving the oral and dental health and hygiene of people everywhere.
Ongoing medical and dental
research and improved technological advances, in conjunction with increased
oral and dental health and hygiene education, have proven to lead to a decrease
in oral disease. This reflects a reduction in other disease processes
that can take place in the human body, as well as disease prevention for people
collectively.
Are health care professionals,
who deal directly with oral and dental health and hygiene and those who adhere
to their guidelines, currently doing enough?
This is a timely question for
the year 2009, as the H1H1 pandemic continues to be a cause for alarm.
Is the H1N1 virus linked to
oral and dental health and hygiene?
Interestingly, Dr. Margaret
Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, in her article
entitled "World Now at the Start of 2009 Influenza Pandemic" (1) does
not make any direct connection between oral health and the spread of the H1N1
virus.
At the same time, there are
more and more young people, who are becoming infected with this virus.
Normally, one would assume that they would be relatively healthy individuals,
much less likely to become infected than the young, the elderly or the
medically infirm.
Addressing oral and dental health
and hygiene from a global perspective, appears to be indicated because this
virus is an air-born viral infection spreading rapidly around the globe.
Having people wear masks to
cover both oral and nasal passages, appears to be one viable method of reducing
the spread of the virus from person to person. Hand washing and coughing into
one's sleeve instead of one's hands, appears to be advisable.
But, is there
something else that can and should be done? Or are immediate changes needed in
oral and dental health and hygiene, on every level, all around the world?
Are there current statistics
that reveal a higher rate of H1N1 in those who are known to have poor oral or
dental health and hygiene?
Improving oral and dental health and hygiene would
lead to a reduction in infections, individually and collectively. This is true
on a global level. Those who are in need of improved oral and dental health and
hygiene may present a higher risk than others, with regard to the spread of any
disease entity, not just the H1N1 virus.
Historically, oral health care
and dental diagnostics have taken an aesthetic approach, focusing primarily on
repair of dental caries, extraction of teeth, correction of alignment, removal
of plaque, implants, dentures, plates, caps and veneer. Numerous oral and
dental problems have been and are still being resolved, for many people.
Doctors and dentists have found, diagnosed and treated oral infections,
gingivitis, chancres, sores, lesions, bleeding gums and halitosis.
In the light of the current
pandemic, there may need to be a shift in the focus of global health care
towards more infection prevention and control.
Should those currently involved
with oral and dental health and hygiene, work more closely with other health
care professionals, particularly those in second and third world countries? Even
one pandemic is one too many and a justified reason for concern.
While oral and dental health
and hygiene have become increasingly important as professions in the last few
decades, there is a severe shortage of dentists and dental hygienists, as well
as other kinds of medical professionals, who deal with oral health problems.
More health care professionals must be educated and trained in this particular
area.
One of the things that will be
happening in the near future is a marked shift away from the aesthetic approach
to oral and dental health and hygiene and an increased emphasis on the
prevention of the spread of infections, like the H1N1 virus. Reducing
infections is instrumental in improving general health. When dozens of people
wear masks, there is legitimate cause for concern, as people everywhere are
obviously at risk. The lack of proper oral and dental health and hygiene, as
well as other essential medical or health care, is related to increased
infections, as well as to the spread of diseases.
There is an urgent need for
increased awareness about oral and dental health and hygiene. Thus, there must
be immediate action taken on the part of everyone, including both adults and
children, to prevent a further spread of the H1N1 virus, other viruses or
different kinds of oral infections.
There may be a need for other
kinds of oral and dental hygiene products, beyond those that are being used
today. Some of the current products might be found to be instrumental in
destroying the normal flora of the oral cavity, rendering those who
over-emphasize dental hygiene, open to new kinds of infections that their
bodies might otherwise resist.
Globally, more research must be
done, on the level of oral and dental health and hygiene, as well as with
regard to its direct relationship to general health. Increased oral and
dental screening is indicated, with an eye to disease prevention on a global
level, particularly when it involves the spread of a virus, like the H1N1
virus.
Improved oral and dental health
results in a better nutritional status and improved general health and
well being. Thus, most of what is currently being done is good.
At the same time, the oral and
dental health and hygiene horizons must be extended further. This will involve
more time and cost, but if it helps to keep the majority of the world
population infection free, particularly from viruses like the N1H1 virus, then
it will prove to be time and money well spent.
There is a global need for the
improvement of oral and dental health and hygiene.
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