Dr. Prashanth K Haribabu, Director of the Specialty Care Unit, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health, has a crucial message for all of us: don’t skip those dental checkups!

While many people stay on top of their health by getting routine blood tests, checking their blood pressure, managing diabetes, or monitoring their BMI, dental visits often take a backseat. But according to Dr. Haribabu, that’s a mistake.

During an exclusive interview with Drug Today Medical Times Correspondent Rohit Shishodia at the Global American Academy of Implant Dentistry (GAAID) and 12th World Congress for Oral Implantology (WCOI) conference, Dr. Haribabu explained that oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth clean—it’s a window into your overall health.

In fact, dental screenings can sometimes uncover serious, even life-threatening conditions, including cancer, before they become more difficult to treat.

So, the next time you’re scheduling your health checkups, make sure to add a visit to the dentist. It’s not just about your smile—it’s about your health!

DTMT: How is your oral health connected to your overall well-being?

Dr. Haribabu: You might be surprised, but your oral health is a major indicator of your overall well-being. Think about it—your mouth isn’t just where you eat and talk; it’s like a window into your general health.

Simple things like bad breath, changes in your saliva, or even the color of your gums can actually be signs of underlying health issues that you may not even know about. These subtle clues often go unnoticed, but they can help doctors and dentists spot potential problems before they become serious. It’s all about connecting the dots! That’s why it's so important for dentists and physicians to collaborate. When something seems off in your mouth, it could be a signal that something's happening in your body, and getting to the bottom of it early can make all the difference.

DTMT: Can poor oral health be a sign of non-communicable diseases?

Dr. Haribabu: Absolutely! Poor oral health can sometimes act as a warning sign of what's going on inside your body. It might not directly indicate a specific disease, but it can serve as a marker or a clue to underlying conditions. For example, I recently had a patient with suspicious tissue in their mouth. It looked like it could be cancer, so we did a biopsy—and it turned out to be cancer, but not in the mouth. The source was actually a tumor in the lungs, which had been growing quietly. This is why it's so important to pay attention to changes in your oral health, as they can often lead to the discovery of something more serious in other parts of the body. It's all connected!

DTMT: What do you think are the main causes of poor overall health?

Dr. Haribabu: Well, the main culprits are smoking and poor nutrition, but there are also medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that play a role. These conditions often lead to reduced oral hygiene, which can then spiral into more problems. On top of that, financial and socio-economic factors come into play. The cost of dental treatment can be a real barrier for many people, especially in places like the US, where individuals are sometimes pushed into debt just to afford basic care. So, yes, money definitely impacts overall health.

DTMT: What steps can be taken to ensure comprehensive dental care for everyone?

Dr. Haribabu: It’s a multifaceted approach. It can't be just one thing. First and foremost, patients need to be aware of how their oral health connects to their overall health. That's something we, as dental professionals, need to actively educate people about. We also need to expose them to the benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene. And of course, patients should make a point to visit their dentist regularly, at least once a year, for check-ups.

DTMT: For parents of newborns, what advice would you give to help maintain their oral health?

Dr. Haribabu: According to guidelines from the US (and this is something we follow here in India too), it’s recommended to take your child to a pediatric dentist before they turn one. It’s never too early to start good oral care practices, and that early visit can help set the foundation for healthy teeth as they grow.

DTMT: When does a patient typically need a dental implant?

Dr. Haribabu: Dental implants are usually needed after a tooth is lost. Most of the time, this happens due to infection, cavities, trauma, or serious diseases. About 90% of the time, it's due to one of those factors. In about 5% of cases, people need implants because they were born with missing or fewer teeth.

DTMT: And what can a layperson do to maintain good oral health?

Dr. Haribabu: The biggest step is to make sure you’re seeing a dentist at least once a year. Regular check-ups help catch potential issues early on, and it’s easier to fix problems before they become bigger, more expensive issues later.

DTMT: Dental implants were once seen as a luxury, but things have changed in recent years. What do you think has contributed to the increased accessibility and affordability of dental implants in India?

Dr. Haribabu: Yes, it’s been a significant shift. Companies are offering more affordable pricing and a wider range of options, making dental implants much more accessible across different healthcare settings. When we look back to 2010, dental implants were seen as something only a few could afford, but today, the situation is much different. With advancements in technology and improvements in accessibility, dental implants are definitely within reach for a broader population, and I’m confident they will only become more affordable as time goes on.

DTMT: What does the future hold for dental implants in India? Do you foresee further improvements in both affordability and availability?

Dr. Haribabu: Absolutely. With continuous advancements in dental technologies and more options becoming available, dental implants will become even more affordable for patients across India. This trend is encouraging, and I believe dental implants will continue to be a great asset to many people in the future.