‘Frequent oral health check can detect diabetes, hypertension early’

A dental surgeon and the founder of Perfect Smile Health Initiative, Dr Precious Isogie, has revealed that oral health can provide early clues into underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and HIV, among others.

The physician said research had shown that there was a strong link between oral health and overall health, adding that dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to detect signs of these conditions.

Speaking exclusively with According Healthwise during a medical outreach organised by Perfect Aesthetic Dental Clinic in partnership with the Rotary Club for over 1,000 residents of Onigbongbo in Lagos State, the dental specialist noted that oral health extends beyond mere teeth cleaning.

While stressing the importance of routine examinations, she noted that dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath could be indicators of deeper health issues.

Isogie, who is also a Rotarian and chairman of the maternal and child health of the Rotary club, explained that diabetes, for example, can cause changes in the mouth, such as dry mouth, gum disease, and fungal infections.

According to her, dental health is a window to the body’s health. From detecting cardiac risks to monitoring pregnancy health, mouths provide invaluable clues.

The dental surgeon urged people to prioritise their oral health and visit their dentists regularly for check-ups.

She noted that by paying attention to oral health, individuals could potentially catch underlying health conditions early, preventing complications and improving overall well-being.

She added, “When people hear dental, they think dental is just teeth. Dental is more than teeth. A dentist can tell when you have uncontrolled diabetes, when you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, especially when you have cardiac disease.

“A dentist can tell, even if you are pregnant or you have HIV. And you know we have oral cancer, so, a dentist can help you to detect that on time.

“As we know, prevention is better than cure. So, when your dentist can detect these things on time, you can get it treated on time. Something as little as plaque and calculus, you know the yellow, greenish stains on your teeth, can actually affect you, especially for someone that has a high blood pressure. It increases your risk.

“So, this initiative is also for the medical doctors to educate people to say, your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. Everything goes through your mouth.

“If you have malaria or you are feeling feverish, you taste that bitterness. That means everything starts from your mouth and it goes in. Your food starts from here and goes in. Your medication also starts from the mouth and goes in. So, your mouth is connected to every part of your body.”

The surgeon stated that cooperation between public and private organisations has to happen to raise public awareness of the value of maintaining good dental health.

“We need to create more awareness on the radio by doing jingles. We need to create more awareness on TV and our government should partner with private dental clinics or even the dental clinics that are inside the general hospitals so that they can create more awareness and create initiatives like this.

“Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in preventing complications,” she said.

Speaking on the medical outreach, Isogie said the initiative is to offer a range of services including malaria testing, HIV screening, blood pressure checks, dental cleaning, and free tooth replacements to the Onigbongbo residents.

She added that the outreach would provide drugs for those in need and offer other medical services, including referrals where necessary.

The dental surgeon, however, revealed that Perfect Smile Health Initiative, is spearheading a campaign to educate the public on the vital connection between oral health and overall physical well-being.

Isogie pointed out that the goal is to reach as many people as possible and make a positive impact on their health and well-being.

“Our outreach programme is designed to provide free medical and dental services to communities that lack access to quality healthcare. We believe that everyone deserves to have good health, regardless of their financial situation.

“In this outreach programme, we are providing free malaria testing, HIV screening, blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, hepatitis B vaccination and testing, dental cleaning, and free tooth replacements. We are also providing free glasses and eye drops to those in need,” she concluded.

On his part, the president of the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown, Engr Adewale Owa, said the initiative aligns with Rotary’s focus on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and control.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful impact.

Michael encouraged the community to take their health seriously and prioritise medical screening and testing.