The term ‘oral health’ not only defines a state of being free from oral and facial pain, diseases and disorders, but alsoencapsulates the impact that such disease may have on an individual’s quality of life, considering both the functional (biting, chewing, smiling, speaking) and psychosocial aspects of wellbeing. Despite the well-established relationship between oral health and overall health and wellbeing, the separation of medicine and dentistry, both educationally and organisationally, results in unmet health needs and poorer patient outcomes. This article aims to give an overview of available dental services, referral pathways and how general practitioner and dentists can work together to provide holistic, patient-centred care.
Disorders spanning a wide range of body systems may, directly or indirectly, impact upon the orofacial tissues. Specifically, the oral mucosa may be the first, or most severely affected site of systemic disease, posing significant implications for oral health-related quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to present to their GP with orofacial symptoms, therefore a firm understanding of how systemic disease can manifest in this way is important. This article will discuss oral mucosal presentations of systemic disease, aiming to improve understanding and recognition of these conditions, allowing appropriate referral for investigation, diagnosis and management.
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