Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body National Federation of Women’s Institutes Resolution Shortlist Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body ‘Health research suggests that there is a link between gum health and serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and even dementia. The NFWI calls upon the government to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and the impact that it can have in preventing life changing acute and chronic health conditions.’ [Read out the motion and the title]   The proposer of this resolution is concerned about the link between poor oral health and other health conditions. They are alarmed that there are no current national campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its linkages with other conditions. The proposer wants the NFWI, along with all WIs, to run a major campaign to raise awareness across all age groups, of the holistic benefits of oral health.

Outline of presentation What’s the problem? Is this well known? How can this be tackled? How could the WI work on this resolution if it was passed? Arguments for the resolution Arguments against the resolution Further information [Read from the slide] Image: Shutterstock

What’s the problem? Poor oral health has been linked to a variety of other health problems, including: Heart disease and heart attacks; Diabetes; Stroke; Premature births; Rheumatoid arthritis. There are no current national campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its linkages with other conditions Image: Shutterstock Poor oral health has been linked to a variety of other health problems such as heart disease and heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, premature births and rheumatoid arthritis.   Bacteria associated with gum disease can travel to other parts of the body through blood vessels in the mouth. It is believed that this bacteria traveling around the body’s blood vessels may be a contributing factor to the arteries narrowing as well as blood clots easily forming. These clots form due to the body's negative immune response to the bacteria in the bloodstream. The clots can reduce normal blood flow to the heart, so that the heart does not get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs. They can also travel to the brain, where they may cause stroke. There is a broad body of scientific evidence behind this issue. In 2010, a consensus statement from the European Society of Cardiology on the relationship between chronic periodontal infections and cardiovascular diseases concluded that “oral health has an influence on systemic health in general and on cardiovascular disease in particular”.

How well known is this issue? According to the Oral Health Foundation: Only one in six people realises that gum disease may increase risk of stroke or diabetes and Only one in three is aware of the link to heart disease. The extent to which the population suffers from oral hygiene problems has also been well studied. Public Health England found that in 2015 a quarter of 5 year olds had experienced tooth decay, having on average 3 or 4 teeth affected. The vast majority of tooth decay was found to be untreated. According to recent report by Public Health Wales, in Wales there has been a reduction in the proportion of 5 year olds with tooth decay from 47.6% in 2007-08 to 34.2% in 2015-16. Whilst the problem of poor oral hygiene is well known, and the link between oral hygiene and other conditions has been discussed in the scientific and medical community, this link is not widely known by the public.   According to the Oral Health Foundation, only one in six people realises that gum disease may increase risk of stroke or diabetes and only one in three is aware of the link to heart disease. Image: Shutterstock

How could it be tackled? Good oral hygiene Image: Shutterstock Gum disease can be slowed, although never truly stopped, by good oral hygiene. This includes regular and effective tooth brushing, flossing, and the use of mouth wash. Regular visits to the dentist are advised, who can assess for gum disease and provide any treatment required.   Image: Shutterstock

How could the WI work on this resolution if it was passed? At a national level   The NFWI could lobby government to ensure education about the links between oral health and broader health issues are included in PSHE lessons in all schools. Partnering with experts on oral hygiene, the NFWI could produce literature on the topic for circulation by WIs. At a local and regional level WIs could hold educational meetings, open to their wider community, at which they learn about the issues of gum disease and the link with other conditions, and what needs to be done to tackle it. A full campaign plan would be developed by the NFWI if the resolution is passed, taking into account developments since then. Here are some ways the WI could consider working on this issue if it was passed. - Read out points

Arguments for the resolution This resolution could positively complement the WI’s previous work on healthcare issues. By focusing on just oral health, WIs may also contribute to reductions in other more major diseases. There are various arguments for the resolution, which we can debate after this presentation. Two main ones are [read slide]

Arguments against the resolution Whilst poor oral health may lead to broader health care issues, this campaign’s objectives would have a narrow focus on oral health. Might the WI have a greater impact campaigning on wider health issues? There are already lots of programs that focus on oral health, such as health education programs in schools, and everyone should be attending a dentist regularly. Perhaps the links between oral health and other issues should be rolled into these information channels? There are various arguments against the WI running a major campaign on this topic, these include: [read slide]

Further information NFWI Public Affairs Department: E: pa@nfwi.org.uk T: 020 7371 9300 https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns Oral Health Foundation: https://www.dentalhealth.org/