OSH stands for Oral Systemic Health the connection between oral health and overall health that is becoming an increasingly prominent focal point in this changing healthcare environment. The OSH News Network is a site designed to educate medical and dental professionals about oral-systemic health.
Truth be told, we are in a perfect storm in regards to healthcarea diminished economy, an enormous demographic group (Baby Boomers) transitioning into retirement, and the competitive stress from the recent build up of providers. The entire U.S. healthcare industry is in flux.
The research is mounting daily. Lack oforal healthis a major risk factor to your bodys total health.The mouth is where life begins.So when, where, how, and why did the mouth become separated from the body? Medical research is finding oral bacteria associated and involved with our biggest killers such as heart attacks, strokes, cancers, diabetes, preterm births, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimers disease, just to name a few. Whats reassuring is that we have ways to test for and prevent these potential killers.
Are you surprised? Dont be! Gum disease is more common than the common cold. The surgeon general tells us thatover 80% of us have some form of gum disease.We hate to tell you this, but you probably have gum disease. In fact, theGuinness Book of World Records lists gum disease as the #1 most prevalent inflammatory disease in the world. Not only can gum disease kill you, 90% of it goes untreated. This has become a life and death issue!