Oral health and its link to the general health of people around the world

In an interview with periodontics expert Prof. Iain Chapple and consultant radiologist, Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones, FDI World Dental Federation explores how oral link is linked to other general health conditions and what needs to be done to ensure the ongoing wellbeing of people around the world.

With nearly 3.5 billion around the world affected by oral disease - the ADA’s Australia’s Oral Health Tracker Adults 2020 reveals that almost 29% of adults aged 15 years and over have periodontal pockets in excess of 4mm while the Children and Young People 2018 report shows that 27% of children aged 5-10 years have untreated tooth decay in their primary teeth – affecting an estimated 19% of the global population, the implications for peoples’ overall general health are considerable.

The interview "discover[s] the many links between oral health and common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from the perspective of an oral health professional and a medical professional ... while also highlighting "the importance of interprofessional collaboration amongst healthcare workers to bridge the gap between oral and general health for better patient care."

The article stressed the need for oral healthcare to be integrated into wider healthcare systems in many countries where it remains “isolated within health systems”.

By discussing how many conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and even COVID-19 are affected by gum health, Dr Lloyd-Jones and Prof. Chapple stress "why it is important for the broader healthcare teams to take an interest in oral healthcare."

“I think it's time for doctors to take gum disease seriously. There is a role for all doctors, especially those of us caring for patients with chronic diseases, to make sure that we provide them the best possible oral healthcare,” says Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones.

FDI’s Vision 2030 also calls for the integration of oral health into the wider healthcare approach in every country as effective prevention and management of oral diseases can lead to improved health and well-being.

For the full story, go to, “Talking gum health and systemic health with Prof. Iain Chapple and Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones"