What does oral care mean to society?

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Oral care traditionally focused on hygiene but has evolved to include broader oral functions and treatments.
• The scope of oral care has expanded significantly through interprofessional collaboration and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on the expanding role and benefits of oral care.
• To highlight the systemic health implications and supportive therapeutic applications of oral health interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies and surveys on oral care.
• Analysis of research findings on the impact of oral health on various systemic diseases and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Oral health care is linked to the prevention and management of numerous systemic diseases, including pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia.
• It serves as a crucial supportive therapy in cancer treatment and aids in maintaining dignity and quality of life for terminally ill patients.
• Oral care demonstrates effectiveness in preventing severe infections like COVID-19 and offers medical and economic benefits, such as reduced hospitalization duration and treatment costs.

Conclusions:

• Oral care is integral to comprehensive health management, extending far beyond basic hygiene.
• Maintaining oral health is critical for preventing systemic diseases, supporting cancer patients, and improving overall quality of life.
• Further research and interprofessional collaboration are essential to fully leverage the benefits of oral health care.