ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Suresh K*
Our teeth don't necessarily hurt until something big is going on. While some health issues show up in the mouth, Poor oral hygiene can lead to negative health outcomes, the problems go both ways: Some studies show that there may even be a connection between poor oral health and worse brain health Brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, contribute to greater dental, oral and overall health." Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) play a role in diseases like oral thrush, loose teeth, carries. Similarly, diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS lower the body's resistance to infection, turning oral health problems more severe. A primary care doctor plays varied roles – a scientist, a healer, and an organized service provider. Healing may not reverse the damage but curtails the illness or its consequences from controlling our lives. Every PCP as they grow into the profession must be driven by competence, newer medical developments & technologies, precision in decision-making / treatment, improving people’s lives, understanding the importance of compassion, and realizing that the science is incomplete, then only a healer emerges in him or her. The system must take responsibility for their appropriate training. Each PCP must make it a practice to have a quick scan of the mouth in every visit of their patients not to miss early detection, treatment, and preventive care opportunity. Materials and Methods: This article is based on identification of two cases of Oral cancers one in early stage, biopsied leading to simple excision and cured from Bhutan and another case from Raichur in November 2023 in late stage currently under chemotherapy, one case of Aphthous ulcer and a few cases of gingivitis due to diabetes, with mixed results.
Keywords: Primary Care Doctors; Dentists, Gingivitis; Gum diseases; Periodontitis; Aphthous ulcers; Human Papillomavirus (HPV); Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs); Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)
