Links between oral health and general health the case for action
This research was originally published in 2011 by Dental Health Services Victoria.
We have curated this article as a reference point for The Larkin Protocol.
ABSTRACT
Dental decay is the second most costly diet-related disease in Australia, with an economic impact comparable with heart disease and diabetes. Approximately $6.1 billion was spent on dental services in 2007-08, representing 6.2%1 of total health expenditure. Despite this effort, decay and periodontal diseases remain a major health problem. Oral health can no longer be ignored in designing overall national health strategies. It is essential to protect natural teeth from decay and periodontal disease, and focus on early detection and prevention of these conditions. Evidence clearly demonstrates that these diseases are not just limited to the mouth, but importantly are linked to general health overall.
