A Holistic Approach for Ethics and Sustainability in the Food Chain: The Gateway to Oral and Systemic Health

Abstract

Food production is a complex matter, affecting people’s lives, organizations’ profits, and the well-being of the whole planet, and has multifaceted ethical considerations surrounding its production, distribution, and consumption. This paper addresses the pressing need to confront ethical challenges within the food system, encompassing issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, and individual food choices for better oral and systemic health of all individuals around the globe. From agricultural practices to global trade and food waste, ethical implications are addressed across various domains, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical decision-making in the food industry. Central themes explored include the ethical dimensions of food production methods, the impact of global trade on food ethics, and the role of individuals in making ethically informed food choices. Additionally, this paper considers the spiritual and physical significance of food, particularly through the lens of oral health as a gateway to holistic well-being. Recognizing the complexity of the food and mouth ecosystem, this paper calls for serious interventions in legislation and economics to promote ethical protocols and techniques for sustainability reasons. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in food safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and quality standards. Moreover, this paper underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to address ethical dilemmas and moral values inherent in the food industry and oral health policies, adopting the precautionary principle and ethical decision-making frameworks. This article finally aims to serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the food industry and the healthcare sector, to prioritize ethical practices, promote transparency, rearrange economic parameters, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for inner and outer oral and systemic health and human sustainability for all.

Plant-Derived Compounds: A Promising Tool for Dental Caries Prevention

“…These studies would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of herbal extracts in preventing dental caries over extended periods, thereby establishing evidence-based guidelines for clinical use. Moreover, exploring innovative delivery systems for natural compounds could enhance their therapeutic potential and facilitate their integration into routine oral care practices [ 2 ]. Mouthwashes, chewing gum, dental varnishes, and other novel formulations offer convenience in delivering bioactive herbal compounds into the oral cavity.…”

“…Oral health has always been considered an inseparable part of general health since it is inextricably linked to general well-being [ 1 ]. Every aggravating factor related to oral health will affect the quality of life and the psycho-social aspects of life, directly or indirectly [ 2 ]. The direct and indirect global costs related to oral pathologies are estimated at around USD 298 and USD 144 billion, respectively [ 3 ].…”

Comprehensive Bio-Screening of Phytochemistry and Biological Capacity of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Salvia triloba Extracts against Oral Cariogenic and Food-Origin Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Any disruptions to this delicate balance can pave the way for the emergence of pathogens and subsequent disease [ 16 ]. Moreover, serving as the primary gateway to the gastrointestinal system, the oral cavity acts as the initial point of entry for xenobiotics into the body [ 17 ]. Imbalances in the diverse microecosystems within the oral cavity can lead to dysbiosis, highlighting the imperative of identifying the microbiome in a healthy state [ 18 ].…”