Daily oral care as a vital component of systemic health

The Power of Light

Oral health is a critical yet frequently overlooked component of overall health. Scientific evidence increasingly reveals that poor oral hygiene is not merely a cosmetic or localized issue but a contributor to systemic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. With oral diseases costing an estimated well over £10 billion annually in the UK—and nearly $140 billion in the United States—there is a substantial opportunity to improve public health outcomes and reduce economic burden through prevention. These trends reflect a broader global challenge, as oral health conditions affect billions of people worldwide. The need to prioritize preventive care is both urgent and universal. In this summary we examine the systemic implications of oral health, emphasise the importance of daily care routines, and introduce emerging technologies such as photobiomodulation (PBM) as part of a proactive oral care strategy.

The link between oral and systemic health

The mouth is a gateway to the body. Its health significantly influences various bodily systems. Chronic oral conditions and oral inflammations such as periodontitis and gingivitis have been linked to a host of systemic diseases.

Cardiovascular disease is closely connected to oral health. Conclusively agreed with various studies including a meta-analysis by Blaizot et al. (2009) found that individuals with periodontitis have a 1.14x higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes presents another strong link; poor glycemic control in diabetics is exacerbated by periodontal disease (Chapple & Genco, 2013).

There is also a link between cognitive decline and oral health. A study published in the journal Neurology (2020) identified a correlation between gum disease and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Globally, oral disease affects over 3.5 billion people, according to the World Health Organization. In the UK, studies have shown correlations between poor dental hygiene and increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Despite these established links, oral care remains underprioritized in the public health domain. Unlike cardiovascular health, which benefits from early screenings and widespread awareness campaigns, dental health is often siloed and underfunded.

The importance of daily oral care routines

A preventative approach centered around daily habits can drastically reduce the burden of oral and systemic diseases. The foundational elements include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, flossing once daily to clean interdental areas, and using therapeutic mouthwashes. Clinical studies (Gunsolley, 2006) demonstrate that antiseptic and antimicrobial mouthwashes like chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride significantly reduce gingival inflammation and bacterial load. However, these are not recommended for continuous daily use due various undesirable side effects such as tooth staining and taste alterations.

However, these practices are often undervalued and inconsistently applied due to a lack of public education, cost barriers, and the perception of dental care as optional rather than essential. In the UK, the NHS advises brushing teeth twice daily and using fluoride-based products, but access and adherence vary widely across socioeconomic strata.

Emerging innovations: Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Photobiomodulation, a light-based therapy that uses safe and clinically proven low-power-level lasers or LEDs to stimulate cellular function, is gaining traction in dental and systemic applications. It enhances tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and can serve as an adjunctive tool for oral hygiene.

In oral health, PBM reduces pain and inflammation in periodontal therapy, accelerates healing post-surgery, and may suppress harmful oral biofilms (Ailioaie & Litscher, 2021). Beyond the oral cavity, PBM therapy has shown promise in modulating the immune response, supporting neurological recovery, and improving mitochondrial function.

Red light, particularly in the 600–800 nm range, can stimulate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production within cells by interacting with a specific enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria. This process enhances cellular energy production and supports tissue regeneration, making PBM a powerful complement to oral hygiene and systemic wellness strategies.

By integrating PBM into daily oral care routines, individuals can proactively manage both oral and systemic inflammation. Devices suitable for home use are now entering the consumer market in both the U.S. and the UK, offering non-invasive, safe, and effective supplementation to traditional care. European health regulators are beginning to acknowledge PBM’s value, and its inclusion in clinical guidelines is under consideration.

Policy recommendations and public health implications

To treat dental health with the same seriousness as cardiovascular health, we must expand preventive dental coverage. Only 73% of adults in the U.S. have dental coverage, compared to over 90% with medical insurance. Dental benefits should be integrated into Medicare and Medicaid. Similarly, in the UK, although NHS dental care is available, access is often limited by regional shortages of dental professionals and funding constraints.

Public education campaigns should be promoted to help people understand that preventive dental visits are not just "cleanings" but essential health screenings. This is true both in the U.S. and in the UK, where oral health disparities have been linked to both educational and income levels.

It is also critical to subsidize OTC oral care products. Essential oral hygiene products like toothpaste and floss should be reclassified as medically necessary, making them eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursements in the U.S. and VAT exemptions in the UK and EU.

Innovation access must be supported by providing grants and subsidies for research-backed technologies like PBM. This would enable wider adoption and help lower consumer costs globally, including support for localized clinical trials in Europe and the UK.

Conclusion

Oral health is inseparable from general health. Treating it as such will save billions in healthcare costs and improve population wellness. Daily routines that include brushing, flossing, hygienic mouthwashes, and emerging tools like PBM should be elevated to the same level of importance as diet, exercise, and cardiovascular monitoring. This reorientation in policy, practice, and public perception is essential for a healthier, more equitable future, globally.

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References

Blaizot A, et al. (2009). J Clin Periodontol. "Periodontal diseases and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis."
Chapple ILC & Genco R. (2013). J Periodontol. "Diabetes and periodontal diseases."
Gunsolley JC. (2006). J Clin Periodontol. "A meta-analysis of six-month studies of antiplaque and antigingivitis agents."
Kamer AR, et al. (2020). Neurology. "Periodontal disease and risk of Alzheimer’s disease."
Ailioaie LM, Litscher G. (2021). Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. "Photobiomodulation and its role in the oral cavity and systemic diseases."
World Health Organization (2022). "Global oral health status report."
NHS England (2023). "Oral health improvement programmes: Annual report."