Oral health and general health are not considered as separate entities these days; in fact oral health is essential to the overall health and well being of an individual. Early identification of oral diseases may contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment for a number of systemic diseases.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of some common systemic diseases seen in the oral cavity:
- Measles: during the prodromal phase of measles, koplick’s spots, distinct eruptions are seen on the buccal mucous membrane and inside of the lips. They appear in about 48 hours, but it may be as long as 6-7 days before the skin rash. They consist of small, irregular spots of bright red color with a minute bluish white speck in the centre which can be seen with a bright light. Mild fever which accompanies early symptoms resembling an upper respiratory infection may bring the child to the physician before the rash erupts.
- Chicken Pox: patients present with numerous small fluid filled (3-4mm) vesicles on both the skin and mucous membranes. The vesicles are itchy and scarring occurs if they are forcibly ruptured or infected.
- Scarlet Fever: this is characterized by erythematous or prominent papillae (strawberry tongue). The white coating is soon lost leaving a glistening surface with the tonsils and faucial pillars covered with grayish white exudates.
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 1: periodontal findings are common in patients affected. Xerostomia and recurrent intraoral abscesses may be present. Periodontal disease also makes it more difficult to stabilize their blood glucose levels.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: manifestations appear as early as 3-4 months but majority of them manifest symptoms late in the first year or later in childhood. Clinically there is enamel hypomineralisation and increased prevalence of periodontal disease. Radiographically the reduced number of trabeculae and their stepladder appearance between the teeth are definitive symptoms.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: it is the most common malignancy in children. Oral manifestations include oral ulcerations, pharyngitis; gingival infections unresponsive to conventional treatment, gingival oozing, and petchiae or ecchymosis formation are among the oral lesions noted.
- Hemophilia A: it involves a history of mild to moderate persistent bleeding often involving the maxillary lip, lingual frenum and tongue. The onset of bleeding does not occur until the toddler stage.
- Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: bone loss is a significant predictor of chronic heart disease. Bacteria found in periodontal disease can also lead to blood clots, increasing the risk for heart attacks and stroke. According to research people with periodontal disease may be more likely to develop CVS disease.
- Respiratory Infections: infectious agents that cause respiratory diseases are found significantly in higher concentrations in people with periodontal disease; and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be adversely affected by periodontal disease. The elderly and patients with compromised immune function are particularly susceptible.
The WHO expanded the definition of health to mean “a complete state of physical mental and social well being and not just the absence of infirmity”. It means that oral health is important to that wellbeing, so take care of your oral health too.