Experts advocate integrated management Of gum disease
Dental and medical experts have called for integrated management of gum disease, warning that poor oral health contributes to several chronic illnesses.
The experts spoke during the second edition of the Continuing Medical Education webinar organised by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The webinar is hosted by the faculty of Dental Surgery.
The President of the college, Prof. Anthony Ikefuna, said the institution remained committed to training specialists and promoting disease prevention.
Ikefuna described the webinar series as part of efforts to enlighten healthcare professionals on emerging health challenges and multidisciplinary care.
The Chairman, Faculty of Dental Surgery, Prof. Olabisi Oderinu, said the programme focused on the systemic burden of gum disease.
Oderinu noted that increasing evidence linked periodontal diseases with chronic medical conditions affecting overall wellbeing.
Delivering the lecture, Prof Solomon Olusegun Nwhator, said inflammatory gum diseases affected about half of the global population.
Nwhator explained that untreated plaque buildup caused gingivitis and periodontitis, leading to bone destruction and possible tooth loss.
He said harmful bacteria and inflammatory agents from infected gums could spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
According to him, gum disease has been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Nwhator added that periodontal inflammation could worsen insulin resistance and complicate diabetes management.
He also linked gum disease with respiratory infections, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction and gastrointestinal disorders.
The expert said studies showed that treating gum disease improved blood sugar control, kidney function and systemic inflammatory markers.
Nwhator called for stronger collaboration among dentists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, neurologists and other specialists in patient management.
He urged Nigerians to maintain proper oral hygiene and seek regular dental care to prevent complications associated with gum disease
The lecturer also noted that studies are still ongoing on some of the diseases mentioned.
