News and Views

Periodontal diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Undiagnosed, untreated, or inappropriately treated, periodontitis can have devastating effects on oral health, quality of life and overall health. The destructive effects and systemic impacts of periodontitis are the result of inflammation.

Poor oral hygiene can cause a short-term presence of bacteria in blood as well as systemic inflammation, two mediators of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. In a 2020 population-based cohort study, the association of oral hygiene care with the previously noted heart conditions was investigated.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a group of conditions that increase risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, is a growing public health concern worldwide: it is estimated to affect around 25% of the global population. Several risk factors for Meets have been identified, including oral diseases, which are primarily caused by poor oral hygiene.

Dental anxiety is a common issue among American adults — nearly 80% of adults feel anxiety before dental treatment. As a result, patients may experience physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses, as well as avoid the environments that stimulate these negative feelings, increasing the likelihood of missed dental appointments.