1ST EDITION
E d i t o r :
S a h a n a 1 2 E
W r i t e r s :
A f n a n 1 2 E
P o o r n i e 1 2 A
A n v e e 9 F
Oral Health: by Afnan 12E
TheGatewaytoOverallWell-Being
ORAL HEALTH is often underestimated in its impact on overall health, yet research continues to uncover strong links between dental conditions and systemic diseases Beyond the discomfort of cavities or gum disease, poor oral health has been associated with severe medical issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these connections highlights why oral care is not just about a beautiful smile but a crucial aspect of overall well-being.
OralHealth&SystematicDiseases
1 CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES - Studies have found a significant association between periodontal disease and an increased risk of heart disease. Chronic inflammation in the gums can lead to bacterial infections that enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the arteries and contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This condition increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes Additionally, bacteria from the mouth can cause endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, which can be life-threatening
2.DIABETES & ORAL HEALTH - are closely intertwined. People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, due to impaired immune function and high blood sugar levels, which create an environment for bacterial growth In turn, advanced periodontal disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar, creating a vicious cycle that increases the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.
3.RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - The mouth and lungs are directly connected, meaning harmful bacteria from the oral cavity can be inhaled into the respiratory system. This can lead to pneumonia and exacerbate conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) In particular, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of respiratory complications stemming from poor oral hygiene
4 PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS - Oral health plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal health Periodontal disease has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and even preeclampsia. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses that may contribute to premature labor. Pregnant women also experience hormonal changes that can make them more susceptible to gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis), further emphasising the need for good oral care during this critical time
5 ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & COGNITIVE DECLINE - Emerging research suggests that chronic oral infections may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia Bacteria associated with gum disease, particularly *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, have been found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s. These bacteria may contribute to neuroinflammation and the formation of amyloid plaques, which are hallmarks of the disease While more research is needed, these findings suggest that maintaining oral health could be a factor in preserving cognitive function
6 OSTEOPOROSIS & TOOTH LOSE - Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, has been linked to oral health due to its effects on the jawbone As bone density decreases, the supporting structures of the teeth can weaken, leading to tooth loss. Additionally, some medications used to treat osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition where jawbone tissue dies, causing severe complications
C O N C L U S I O N
Oral health is not an isolated aspect of well-being—it is deeply interconnected with overall health. The evidence linking oral diseases to systemic conditions underscores the importance of maintaining good dental care throughout life. Regular dental check-ups, early intervention, and awareness of these connections can play a vital role in preventing serious health complications. By prioritizing oral health, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their overall quality of life and longevity.
WISDOMTEETH101:WHATEVERYTEENSHOULDKNOW
By Poornie 12A
As you go through your teenage years, your body undergoes many changes One of these changes includes the appearance of your wisdom teeth But what exactly are wisdom teeth, and why do they matter? In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about wisdom teeth sothatyouarewell-preparedwhentheystarttoemerge
WHATAREWISDOMTEETH?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in the back of your mouth typically between the ages of 17 and 25 They are called "wisdom teeth" because they emerge at a time in life when a person is considered more mature and wiser
WHYDOWEHAVEWISDOMTEETH?
Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to help chew tough foods like raw meat, roots, and nuts However, due to changes in diet and dental hygiene over thousands of years, these teeth are no longer necessary Modern human jaws have also become smaller which means there is often not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow properly
DO ALL WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed If they grow in properly, do not cause any pain or problems and are healthy they can stay in place However, dentists often recommend removing them if theyarecausingdiscomfort,infection,orcrowding
WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU NEED REMOVAL:
If your dentist or orthodontist advises you to have your wisdom teeth removed the procedure is usually straightforward It is often done under local anesthesia, meaning you will not feel pain during the procedure Afterward, you may experience some swelling and soreness for a few days but most people recover quickly with proper care
COMMONISSUESWITHWISDOMTEETH:
Impacted Teeth: When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly, they may become trappedunderthegumsorgrowatanangle
PainandSwelling: As wisdom teeth emerge they can cause discomfort, redness, and swelling in the gums
Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing them to shift out of alignment
InfectionsandCavities:Becausewisdomteetharelocated far back in the mouth, they can be hard to clean, leading to infections cavities orgumdiseaseinseverecases
HOWTOCAREFORYOURWISDOM TEETH:
Brushandflossdailytokeepyourmouthcleanand healthy
Visityourdentistregularlyforcheck-upsandX-raysto monitorthegrowthofyourwisdomteeth Ifyoufeelpainordiscomfortinthebackofyour mouth informyourdentistassoonaspossible
Understanding wisdom teeth and knowing what to expect can help you be better prepared as they begin to develop Whether your wisdom teeth grow in smoothly or require removal, keeping up with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will ensure you maintain a healthy smile If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist or orthodontistforpersonalizedadvice!
3DPrinting'sEffectonDentistry
b y A n v e e 9 F
Personalisation&Accuracy
The capacity of 3D printing to produce highly customised dental products that are suited to theindividualanatomyofeachpatientisoneof itsmainbenefits.Aone-size-fits-allstrategyis frequently used in traditional procedures, whichmightprovideless-than-idealoutcomes. By using 3D printing, dentists can create crowns, aligners, and prosthesis that precisely matchthepatient'sdentalstructure,improving comfortandfit.
EconomicallySustainable?
Dental prosthesis, implants, and orthodontic devices may now be producedquicklythanksto3Dprintingtechnology,whichiscompletely changing the dental industry. This invention is among the most importantdevelopmentsindentalcarebecauseofitsmanyadvantages Formlabshasrecentlylaunchedanewdentalbusinessunit
Rapidity&Efficiency
The time required to create dental restorations is greatly decreased by 3D printing. Conventional techniques, which include numerous appointments and hard labour, can take weeks. On the other hand, dental prosthesis that are 3D printed can be created in a few hours, frequently in a single visit. This lowers the overall cost of treatmentwhilealsosavingtimeforbothpatients anddentalprofessionals
DentalApplications:
Dentalcrownsand bridgescanbemade preciselyandswiftly, guaranteeinga flawlessfit
OrthodonticDevices: Individualtreatment planscanbe accommodatedby creatingcustomised alignersandretainers.
Dentalimplants:Thesuccessrateofimplant surgeriescanbeincreasedbydesigningand manufacturingimplantsandabutmentstomatch thepatient'sanatomy.
SurgicalGuides:3D-printedguidesletdentistscarry outintricateproceduresandpreciselyplace implants.
C O N C L U S
In conclusion, by providing individualized, effective, and affordable dental care options, 3D printing is revolutionising the dental industry As this technology develops further, it should improve patient outcomes and provide accessibility to the latestdentalprocedures I O N
By lowering expenses for both patients and dental offices, 3D printing technology is completely changing the dental sector. It expedites the manufacturing of dental equipment and prosthetics, allowing patients to obtain treatments more quickly and with fewer visits. Because 3D printing minimises material waste and physical labour, it is more economical than traditional methods. Dental practitioners savetimeandmoneybyutilisingautomated procedures and accurate digital designs. Furthermore, a wider spectrum of people can now afford and obtain quality dental care thanks to 3D printing More patients will be able to afford the necessary dental proceduresthankstothelowercosts,which will enhance oral health overall In conclusion, there are several advantages to 3D printing, such as lower costs, quicker turnaround times, and easier access to cutting-edgedentalcare
ProspectsfortheFuture
The use of 3D printing in dentistry is anticipated to increase dramatically as the technology develops Toproducebiologicaltissuesand
organs for dentistry and medical uses, researchersareinvestigatingbiocompatible materialsfor3Dprinting Withthehelpof3D printedcomponentsthatblendinperfectlywith naturaltissues,damagedormissingteethmay onedayberestoredthankstothisadvancement inregenerativedentistry Furthermore,byprintingsofttissueslikegums, 3Dprintingtechnologyhasthepotentialto transformperiodontaltherapies Itcanalso enhanceorthodontictreatmentsbycreating customizeddentalproductsthatarebasedon theindividualanatomyofeachpatient.More treatmentoptions,betterpatientresults,and easieraccesstocutting-edgedentalcareareall anticipatedwiththesedevelopments.Thefuture ofdentaltreatmentappearstobebecoming moreinventiveandrevolutionaryasscientists continuetopushthelimitsof3Dprinting.
Credit:ParksideFamilyDental
Credit:SpiritRayInc