Oral Health

A Mediaplanet guide to Making Your Oral Health the Best It Can Be

Oral Health Dr. Milad Shadrooh “The Singing Dentist” reflects on how he uses music to teach about oral heath

Smile Train aims to help children, one smile at a time You may know your IQ, but what about your OQ? Find out how Colgate can help

MARCH 2022 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM

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Oral Care Technology Advances – But Health Inequities Persist For two decades, oral care has experienced unparalleled innovation, as revealed in a new report from the National Institutes of Health. ` The past 20 years has seen significant advancements in oral health: Surgical technology grew leaps and bounds, scientific knowledge proliferated, and life-changing public health solutions were borne out of both private and public sector innovation. Meanwhile, we’ve seen the introduction of affordable, OTC consumer products that have allowed individuals and families to take greater ownership over their oral health – all of which is illustrated in a 2021 report “Oral Health in America” by the National Institutes of Health.

Yet, an unsettling truth remains: Overall, America’s oral health is declining – and disparities in care are larger than ever. Additionally, oral health and other health problems – such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke – are also inextricably linked.

While the pandemic has played a role, that’s only half of the story. We now know one’s zip code is even more important than their genetic code in determining health outcomes, an idea originating from biostatistician Melody Goodman. And while brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily makes a big difference in oral health outcomes; ensuring access to affordable self-care is only one component.

Systemic solutions are the other.

While the past two decades have been about innovation, the next decade must be focused on accelerating equity through addressing systemic factors that prevent populations from achieving good oral health oautcomes. At GSK, this starts with actionable steps, including advocating policy change like lobbying for an increase Medicaid reimbursement for dental providers, collaborating with advocacy organizations at the national and state level to expand access to care, and even providing funding for the National Oral Health Data Portal. Let’s usher in the next decade of oral care equity together, with stakeholder advocacy and policy change at the forefront.

Elizabeth Brewer (MS MPH), Head of Government Affairs, North America, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

For more information visit www.gsk.com.

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Good Nutritional Habits are Essential to Oral Health and Strong Immune System Poor nutritional decisions can lead to oral health problems and weaken the immune system, making individuals susceptible to many other health issues.

There is an important correlation between nutrition, oral health, and the body’s natural immune system. Poor nutritional decisions can lead to oral health problems and weaken the immune system, making individuals susceptible to many other health issues. With poor nutrition and oral health practices, people are at risk of developing issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, halitosis, or oral cancer.

The mouth is the gateway to the body and what people eat impacts both oral and overall health. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) supports nutritional best practices that not only keep the oral cavity healthy, but essentially aids in stabilizing the immune system.

Poor nutritional habits are the leading cause of tooth decay.

Tooth decay is often caused by acid produced by interactions

between oral bacteria and food deposits left on the teeth. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about 47 percent of the adult population over the age of 30 suffer from tooth decay or gum disease. Limiting the amount of sugary, starchy, and sticky foods from ones diet is a good nutritional practice to guarantee that teeth and gums remain strong and healthy.

General dentists encourage variety and moderation in developing a healthy diet.

Nutritional decisions can have both positive and negative impacts.

Choosing various options from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein, are the best options for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.

Certain foods from these groups contain nutrients that are essential to the health of the teeth and maintain a strong immune system.

To protect the enamel, patients should make sure they are eating a calcium rich diet.

Calcium is a mineral that helps individuals maintain strong

bones and teeth. This nutrient is most beneficial to the teeth if it is consumed from food.

Foods that are rich in vitamins A and D are also essential to the health of the teeth and gums.

Those nutrients can be found in eggs, fish, and milk. In addition, diets should also contain foods rich in Vitamin C. Such foods include oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, and several others.

Over-the-counter supplements are an additional option to address any nutritional gaps when in a patient’s diet. Popular dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes. Supplements come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, drinks, and energy bars. Most of these supplements can be bought at grocery or drug stores without a prescription.

Oral health consumers should consult with their general dentists to address their oral health needs or visit agd.org to find a general dentist. n Gerald J. Botko, DMD, MAGD, President, Academy of General Dentistry

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Publisher Maggie Sullivan Business Developer Katie Konfino Managing Director Jordan Hernandez Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Tiffany Jackson Lead Editor Jon Adams Copy Editor Kandlyn Collins Director of Content and Production Jordan Hernandez Cover Photo Oliver Jai All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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The Hidden Health Threat Right Under Your Nose: Why You Need to Know Your OQ™ Did you know that the most prevalent disease in the world is preventable? Even still, cavities remain the most common chronic disease among both children and adults.

Yet, few people know that your mouth is the gateway to your overall health and well-being. Perhaps a lack of understanding of the importance of oral health is why 3.5 billion people (nearly half the world’s population) are suffering from oral diseases, like cavities and gum disease.

Oral diseases don’t just cause a pain in your mouth. Studies have found that people with untreated gum diseases have increased risk for heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and other health conditions.

Poor oral health is also linked to mental health and well-being – research shows cavities lead to anxiety and embarrassment. Tooth pain and trips to the dentist to treat cavities mean children miss up to three days of school per year, requiring their parents to lose the same amount of time at work.

The good news is that this global health crisis is largely preventable. With

the right knowledge and some simple tools, you can take charge of your oral health and begin your journey toward a healthier future. The first step is to Know Your OQ™.

Just like you might know your IQ or EQ, Colgate-Palmolive wants you to Know Your OQ™ – your oral health quotient. If you Know Your OQ™, you’ll learn the impacts of oral health on your physical health and mental wellbeing, and the simple steps for taking care of your mouth.

Finding out your oral health quotient is easy -- by taking the free, interactive online assessment at KnowYourOQ. com, you can test your oral health knowledge in just a few minutes. Think you know how to identify the signs of oral diseases? Or what the number one cause of bad breath is?

You might find that your OQ isn’t as high as you’d hope. Boost your score: explore tips for brushing up on your oral health, gain a better understanding of oral diseases, learn preventive strategies, and discover opportunities to seek professional help.

“The connections between oral health and overall health are clear, but there’s a real information gap,”

said Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, Morton Amsterdam Dean School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

“Oral health is linked to the conditions we often talk about – from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to mental health – yet oral health literacy is dangerously low. The first step to addressing this hidden crisis is educating people that maintaining proper oral hygiene is necessary for a healthier future.”

So, what can you do to improve your OQ and prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath?

•Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes: Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice-daily is essential for an impactful oral care routine (nighttime brushing is critical), along with flossing daily, using mouthwash as needed, and remembering to brush your tongue.

•Get Regular Check Ups: Even the best brushers and flossers need to go to the dentist every six months. Dentists can provide a more thorough clean than you can at home, spot potential issues early on (especially important since many oral diseases do not have obvious signs or symptoms), and offer preventive strategies and treatment solutions.

•Upgrade to a Connected Toothbrush: Connected technologies empower you to get the most out of your brushing by improving your technique. And they’re not just for adults: kids’ versions have apps that provide games and virtual rewards to help them build proper oral care habits early on.

There’s no doubt about it, a healthier, brighter future starts with a healthy mouth. By spreading awareness and taking meaningful action, we can build a future where oral care is an integral part of our everyday health routines.

Take care of your mouth to take care of the rest of you. n Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Colgate-Palmolive

To take the first step and Know Your OQ™, visit: www.knowyouroq.com

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Offering Dental Advice One Tune at a Time Instagram and YouTube sensation Dr. Milad Shadrooh uses his platform as the “Singing Dentist” to promote better oral health.

It all started in 2015, when a root canal patient failed to show. With 45 minutes to kill, Dr. Milad Shadrooh began singing along to the radio.

“I used my musical background to freestyle new lyrics over the top and chat about teeth. I thought it was funny, so I recorded it and sent it to a dentist friend of mine who then put it online and that clip started to get views.”

Getting the word out Dr. Shadrooh, a graduate of The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, uses his videos to entertain and inform.

“Tooth decay and gum disease are the main threats to our oral health, but these are also preventable diseases.”

Don’t forget to floss Dr. Shadrooh explains, “Teeth are not two-dimensional, and brushing alone only cleans the front and back, not the sides. This is where floss comes in. You can also use small brushes and oral irrigation devices.”

Also recommended is brushing the tongue.

The hits keep coming As for his music, Dr. Shadrooh is just getting warmed up. “As long as there are teeth and people enjoy what I do, I’ll keep doing it.” n Cindy Riley

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PHOTO: DR.MILAD SHADROOH

The pain is real Tooth decay and gum disease can also lead to abscesses forming, which can cause pain and swellings on the face.

“Long term, teeth can be lost or need to be removed, and this can have a huge impact on quality of life, with inability to eat properly and a massive loss of confidence. Oral cancer is another big threat. Seeing the dentist regularly can really save lives, as often the symptoms of oral cancer go unnoticed until it’s sadly too late.”

Embracing Proper Nutrition for Improved Oral Health

The Real Secret to Healthy Teeth and Gums Is Diet Dr. Mark Burhenne knows that while most dentists chalk up oral health issues to poor brushing or flossing habits, it can also come down to diet.

Dr. Mark Burhenne, aka “Dr. Mark”, runs the Ask the Dentist blog with his daughter Catharine, and knows that the number one cause for the number one disease in the world — tooth decay or cavities — is actually diet.

“When it comes to diet, you have to break it down into two different categories,” Burhenne said. The first is what the food does in your mouth and the second has to do with the food’s overall nutritional quality.

First exposure to foods We’ve all heard that candy rots your teeth, but Dr. Burhenne says it’s more than just lollipops causing cavities and broken molars. Food processing, he explains, has created a plethora of hard-to-eat foods.

Beverages can contribute to acidic erosion of the tooth structure. “Our teeth are very vulnerable to acid,” Burhenne said.

To care for your teeth, seeing a dentist regularly is crucial.

According to Dr. Surina Sehgal, it doesn’t stop there.

“A lot of people are overcomplicating it by thinking the more fancy toothbrushes they use, the better. For good oral health, you need a consistent oral hygiene regime, which includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.”

Dr. Sehgal, a popular blogger based in the United Kingdom, says you should also follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

An Unhealthy Mouth Affects Overall Well-Being “Poor oral health means you’re susceptible to gum disease and dental decay, where there’s a buildup of bad bacteria in the mouth. This buildup can res-

onate throughout the entire body. There have been links of poor dental health and gum disease with diabetes, heart disease, and many other systemic health conditions.”

Dr. Sehgal explains if you have more bad bacteria in your mouth than good bacteria, it will have an impact on your digestion, gut health, immunity, and much more.

You Are What You Eat Sehgal suggests skipping those fizzy drinks and sweets and loading up instead on fresh produce and products containing calcium.

“Dairy products like milk and yogurt have a type of calcium that’s easy for your body to absorb. Canned salmon and sardines with bones are also good sources.”

For strong, healthy teeth, phosphorus plays an important role, along with Vitamin D.

“This micronutrient tells your intestines to absorb the calcium you’ve eaten and move it into your bloodstream. Without enough vitamin D, your body will leach calcium out of your bones.”

When patients have severe vitamin C deficiencies, they can experience bleeding gums.

Citrus fruits, berries, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are all good options.

Taking Small, Sustainable Steps “Having a healthy mouth is something you need to work at a little bit every single day,” Sehgal stresses. “Stick to the basics and master those, rather than trying to buy or source very fancy expensive equipment to help you.”

She adds, “Eat well generally.

Everything in moderation.” n

It’s not all about calcium According to Dr. Burhenne, the most important vitamin to promote strong teeth and bones isn’t calcium, it’s a recently discovered vitamin called K2.

“K2 is the protein that activates other proteins that help bones re-mineralize and teeth re-mineralize,” Burhenne says.

Good habits So how do you change your diet and habits to save on dentist office visits in the future? Aside from avoiding corrosive foods whenever possible, there are ways to keep your nutrition and oral health in check.

The first may sound counterintuitive, but Burhenne says to wait at least 30 to 45 minutes before brushing after eating or drinking. When teeth are exposed to acid, he explains, the outer layer softens because it’s decalcifying, so you want to give your mouth time to adjust Another way to mitigate the decalcifying effects of acid on your teeth is with a simple rinse.

As for what foods you should add to the grocery list, Burhenne says fermented products like sauerkraut or fermented bean curd, butter, and fatty meats are all great sources of K2. Organ meats in particular, such as liver, are especially K2-rich. He also recommends cod liver oil for kids.

At the end of the day, nobody’s suggesting you stop brushing and flossing regularly. But you may want to think about what goes into your mouth first for a truly clean and healthy set of chompers.

Lynne Daggett

Cindy Riley

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Celiac Disease & Oral Health Interview with Janie Harris A celiac disease diagnosis showed Janie Harris, Celiac Disease Foundation Director of Annual Giving, how her oral health could be effected as a result of her disease.

Janie Harris, Celiac Disease Foundation Director of Annual Giving, was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2015 and has been dealing with oral health issues as a result of her disease. Read more to learn about her experience and about potential long-term oral health problems associated with the disease.

What are the most common oral health issues you see in people with celiac disease?

One of the most common oral health issues in people with celiac disease is an increase in cavities and canker sores, small ulcers in the lining of the mouth. Patients can also experience dry, burning sensations of the tongue due to vitamin absorption problems.

Taking Control of Oral Health with Moffitt Cancer Center

Have you experienced gum issues, ulcers, delayed dental development, or other common oral health problems because of celiac?

Yes, I experienced ongoing gingivitis — swollen, bleeding gums — until my celiac disease diagnosis when I adopted a strict gluten-free diet. I also have a small, yellow abnormality on my tooth that emerged prior to being diagnosed. Despite my gluten-free diet, the spot hasn’t gone away. The only way to remove it is to undergo a procedure that will minimize the abnormality.

What are the top oral health signs to watch for that might indicate someone has celiac?

It’s important to look out for dental defects, enamel deformities, an increase in cavities, and frequent and severe canker sores.

What are the best ways to prevent or treat oral health issues once you are diagnosed with celiac?

Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet will be the most effective treatment in managing oral health issue. For ongoing symptoms, discuss a treatment strategy with your dentist to meet your specific needs.

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When it comes to oral health maintenance, sometimes it can take a team of professionals to get you in the best health.

Your dental team, oral surgeon, or other healthcare providers may perform an examination of your mouth and neck during a routine visit to screen for oral (mouth) cancer. The goal of an oral screening is to detect head and neck cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to cancer at an early stage - when it is easiest to remove and most likely to be treated successfully. Head and neck cancer can be found in the squamous cells lining the mouth, salivary glands, nose, throat, and other moist surfaces in this region of the body. Oral cavity and throat cancer are

among the most common head and neck cancers.

At Moffit Cancer Center, our care team provides world-class expertise on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant and benign tumors of the head and neck. Our surgery center is one of the most prominent in the nation, and our surgeons are fellowship trained in head and neck surgical oncology including reconstruction and minimally invasive approaches.

Moffitt’s specialized clinicians collaborate daily to provide comprehensive treatment options, and progressive clinical trials to treat cancer for our patients’ individualized care.

Moffitt Cancer Center offers a variety of treatment options set for our patients’ distinct needs.

We offer services for the following conditions: • Oral leukoplakia, erythroplakia or dysplasia • Any suspicious oral cavity or oropharyngeal lesions for biopsy and monitoring • Advanced benign bone cysts or tumors • Malignant oral cavity tumors • Neck masses or lymphadenopathy • Osteonecrosis/ Osteoradionecrosis. n

To learn more about treatment options for all forms of oral, head and neck cancers visit, www.mo��ıtt.org/cancers/ head-and-neck-cancer/ or call 1-888-663-3488.

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We talked to Monica Dominguez of Smile Train about the connection between oral health and cleft palates.

Could you briefly explain what a cleft palate is, and any stats or facts related to how common the problem is across the globe?

A cleft lip or a cleft palate is an opening or split in the upper lip or roof of the mouth that occurs when developing facial structures in an unborn baby don’t close completely. This happens during the first trimester of pregnancy.

What are some of the unique oral health needs of youngsters who suffer from cleft palate?

Because clefts affect the structure of the mouth, gums, teeth, and nose, people with clefts are more likely to experience poor oral health. Even children who undergo cleft surgery are often at an increased risk for cavities, periodontal disease, missing or misplaced teeth, infections, and other oral health issues.

This affects their daily lives in many ways; how they speak, smile, taste, and eat, and how they convey their emotions and connect to those around them. Oral health defines so much about how they interact with the world.

For readers who aren’t familiar, what is Smile Train and what’s its mission?

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organization. We provide training, funding, and resources to empower local medical professionals in 70+ countries to provide 100 percent-free cleft surgery, and other forms of essential cleft care in their own communities. Over the past 22 years, we have transformed the lives of more than 1.5 million children.

Why is it essential to raise awareness of cleft palate?

Children and adults with untreated clefts face so many challenges. If a baby can’t get adequate nutrition due to their cleft, it impacts their development and threatens their life. If a

PHOTO: SMILE TRAIN

Q&A with Monica Dominguez of Smile Train

child can’t receive high-quality cleft surgery, it can affect their speech, their oral health, their hearing, their overall health, and their mental health. They may not attend school. They may struggle to find a job and build relationships within their community as an adult. It is important that they understand the causes and that cleft treatment is available for them. It’s important that every person with a cleft is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Awareness is crucial to creating this reality.

What can families do to navigate care and treatment for their children with cleft palate?

Information is a powerful tool that will provide them with clarity and will help them prepare for the unique journey of having a child with a cleft in their family. It’s incredibly important for families to understand the stages of treatment and how they can actively be involved, as it will help children achieve the best treatment outcomes.

The local and global cleft commu-

nity is also a powerful resource. Cleft treatment can also be stressful to a child and a family. It’s essential that families know they are not alone.

How rewarding is it to see the difference Smile Train makes in people’s lives?

It’s incredibly rewarding. We see this care as a human right and it’s our privilege to play a part in making it happen. Patients we supported twenty years ago are now surgeons, nurses, speech therapists, teachers, artists, advocates, parents, husbands, wives. Their stories remind us that everything is possible. Ultimately, it’s a team effort and takes us all — doctors, nurses, families, donors, volunteers, patients themselves. It truly is a community.

What else would you like to share with readers?

To learn more about Smile Train’s global efforts or to get involved, please visit smiletrain.org and follow us on social media @SmileTrain. n

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