Orthodontics in Eluding Certain Systemic Diseases and Infections

- Dr Adith Venugopal

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment is considered all about straightening teeth and there is a common notion that it adds not much of a significance systemically, apart from being an adjunct cosmetic procedure. Periodontitis, usually resulting from inadequate oral hygiene and care, is a common sequelae of malocclusion or misaligned teeth, and has been proved to be responsible in increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, asthma, premature childbirth, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Persons with craniofacial deformities or jaw imbalances are known to be less socially acceptable and face many psychological challenges. This may add a stress on the role of malocclusion or misaligned teeth in being a key contributor in many significant systemic and psychosocial diseases.

Keywords: Orthodontics; Systemic Diseases; Psychological challenges

Healthy Oral Cavity = Healthy Body

The oral cavity is the most common port of entry for many microbes into the human body. These microbes are suggested to be responsible for many systemic diseases and disorders.1

A study published in the British Medical Journal examined 9760 subjects longitudinally, and reported that, those with periodontitis had 25% increased risk of coronary heart disease in comparison to those with a healthy periodontium.2 DeStefano F et al 2 also suggested that males with periodontitis and younger than 50 years of age, were 72% more likely to develop coronary heart disease.

A study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggested that subjects with gum or periodontal disease were at least 5 times more likely to develop asthma.3 There are also reports of gum disease being associated with premature childbirth 4 and Alzheimer’s disease.5

A very recent study published by Watanabe et al 6 from Tokyo Medical and Dental University concluded that poor oral hygiene was a significant risk factor of metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes, by altering the composition of the gut microbiome.

How Can Orthodontics Help in Eluding Systemic Diseases?

Assiduous dental care through proper brushing, rinsing and flossing require good alignment of teeth. Misaligned or overlapping teeth make it difficult for all surfaces to be cleaned, resulting in poor oral hygiene. This may subsequently lead to accumulation of plaque, tartar, and harmful microbes, thereby increasing the risk of caries and periodontal diseases.