The interface between oral and systemic health: the need for more collaboration

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Internal medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Increased longevity leads to growing populations with complex oral care needs.
• Chronic diseases and long-term medications (e.g., immunosuppressants, antidepressants) can cause adverse oral reactions like xerostomia.
• Xerostomia significantly increases the risk of dental decay, periodontal disease, and oral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for enhanced communication between medical and dental healthcare providers.
• To underscore the importance of interprofessional collaboration in managing patients with chronic conditions and special oral care requirements.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature and clinical observations.
• The review focuses on the intersection of medical management, chronic diseases, and oral health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Effective patient care, particularly for those with chronic diseases, necessitates improved medical-dental communication.
• Collaboration optimizes treatment plans and minimizes oral health complications.
• Specific patient groups, including those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or on long-term medications, require integrated care.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional collaboration between physicians, nurses, dentists, and dental hygienists is essential.
• Optimizing care for aging populations and those with chronic conditions requires a unified approach to oral and systemic health.
• Addressing oral health adverse effects from medications and conditions improves overall patient well-being.