HS2720 Written Unit 2

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HS2720

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Apr 3, 2024

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1 Oral-Systemic Link Written Assignment Unit 2 HS2720 – Oral Health Kate Kanaley, Instructor April 19, 2023
2 Introduction Our oral health, at large, is regulated by modifiable behaviors. Oral epidemiology is governed by risk factors. These risk factors include dietary patterns, pregnancy, and genetic makeup. Behavioral patterns can be adjusted. Individual autonomous behavioral oral health adjustment and government services or programs can mitigate these risk factors. In turn, oral- friendly behavior increases oral health and overall health and vice versa (i.e. oral-systemic link). Oral-Systemic Link According to Jones and Bartlett, oral epidemiology can be defined as “the study of distribution and determinants of oral health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of oral health problems” (n.d.). Interestingly, as Jones and Bartlett point out, within the field of epidemiology, oral epidemiology, is the only sub-discipline not defined by types of diseases or by pathophysiologic processes, but instead by anatomic section (n.d.). Oral epidemiology is thus concerned with the orofacial region of the human body. Oral epidemiological research has three main objectives, including the identification of prevalence and risk factors, clarification of the causes of oral disorders, and the collection of data to plan and manage dental services and oral health programs, contributing to prevention, control, and treatment of oral disease (Veiga & Coelho, 2015). Three risk factors of oral pathology, in other words, causes of oral disorders, may be behavioral such as diet, may be a result of an underlying physical condition such as pregnancy, or genetic (AAP, n.d.). The American Dental Association (ADA) points out, “diet and nutrition are significant influencers of oral health, and can affect the development and progression of oral diseases and
3 conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, erosion, and others” (n.d., Introduction). Diet is bi- directionally related to oral health. Whereas diet and nutrition directly affect oral tissue. On the other hand, oral health affects nutrient consumption. Consumption of sugars increases the risk of developing dental caries. In addition, the consumption of acidic foods is associated with an increased risk of tooth erosion. In short, a poor diet negatively impacts oral health (ADA, n.d.). Dietary changes can increase oral health. Moreover, diet can positively influence gingiva health and overall tooth health. ADA advises avoiding foods containing natural and added sugars and processed starches. Furthermore, the ADA recommends avoiding a diet rich in low pH-level acids. Simple carbohydrates which should be avoided altogether and or limited include sucrose, dextrose, table sugar, syrups, honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices (CDC, 2021). Many individuals are unaware of how much sugar they consume and how damaging their sugar consumption is to their oral-systemic health. In general, daily sugar intake should be limited to 10 percent of the total calories consumed. A health campaign is necessary to educate the general population on how to read and understand food labels. This knowledge may aid in avoiding foods with unnecessary amounts of added sugar (CDC, 2021). “Oral health may be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby” (CDC, 2022). Hormonal changes during pregnancy are responsible for gingivitis in 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis needs to be treated to prevent progression from red and swollen gums to oral bone loss. Periodontitis is directly associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. The CDC warns mothers with poor oral health may experience preterm birth and infants of low birth weight (2022).
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