ABSTRACT: Inca civilization is a subject of great fascination due to its rapid development and successful oral aging centuries ago. Their diet was primarily plant-based, with lean animal protein, nuts, and seeds, and lacked fermentable sugars, preventing non-communicable diseases, such as caries and periodontal diseases. Developing national ageing policies and strategies to improve oral functionality and tackle economic barriers to a balanced diet, ensuring better nutrition and quality of life for older people are necessary to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the World Health Organization estimating its necessity in meeting 12 of the 17 SDGs. Such policies would also honor our native ancestors.

Abstract Despite the recognized impact of diet on non-communicable diseases, the association between the Mediterranean diet and periodontal diseases is still uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) and self-reported gingival health status in Chilean adults, exploring the feasibility of using validated web-based survey questionnaires. Methodology Cross-sectional data were collected from a representative sample of a population of Chilean adults (18-60 years old) using a low-cost and time-saving methodology. By the PsyToolkit platform, anonymous survey data were downloaded and analyzed in bivariate (crude) and backward stepwise selection multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic determinants, smoking, and dental attendance using STATA 17. Odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals] were estimated. Results In total, 351 complete statistical data were mostly obtained from female university students who had never smoked and reported having visited a dentist in the previous year. Multivariate regression models showed an association between MDI and very good/good gingival health status (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.04-1.34], p=0.013), absence of bleeding on toothbrushing (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01-1.25], p=0.035), and absence of clinical signs of gingival inflammation (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.10-1.40], p<0.001), after controlling for age, sex, educational level, smoking, and dental attendance. Conclusions We associated adherence to the Mediterranean diet with better self-reported gingival health status in a population of Chilean adults in an entirely web-based research environment. Longitudinal studies with random sampling are required to establish the effect of diet on gingival and periodontal health. Nevertheless, this evidence could contribute to the design of low-cost surveillance programs to reduce the burden of periodontal disease and related “common risk factors”.

ABSTRACT: Aim: To describe the role of Oral Health in national strategies and health policies for the comprehensive management and control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the 38 member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Method: A scoping review was carried out, according to the PRISMA-ScR guideline. Government reports, clinical practice guidelines, official WHO and OECD documents, and review articles identified in PubMED and LiLACS were included up to December 2020. The following were synthesized: 1) Inclusion of Oral Health in national plans or clinical guidelines for DM2, 2) Dental benefits and coverage for DM2 and 3) Health indicators associated with the control of DM2. Results: 84 documents were included. 1) Oral Health is incorporated in the national plans of 22 OECD countries for the control of DM2. 2) Of these, 8 provide dental care with high coverage for DM2. 3) OECD countries with high dental coverage have the best indicators of metabolic control of DM2. Conclusions: In the framework of Global Health, countries that do not have Oral Health integrated could benefit if they add dental care in the comprehensive management and control of DM2.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Describir el rol de la Salud Oral en las estrategias nacionales y políticas sanitarias para el manejo integral y control de Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2) en los 38 Estados miembros de la Organización para la Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico (OCDE). Materiales y Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática exploratoria, siguiendo la pauta PRISMA-ScR. Se incluyeron reportes gubernamentales, guías de práctica clínica, documentos oficiales OMS y OCDE, y artículos identificados en PubMED y LiLACS hasta diciembre de 2020. Se sintetizó: 1) Inclusión de la Salud Oral en planes nacionales o guías clínicas de DM2, 2) Prestaciones y cobertura odontológica para DM2 y 3) Indicadores de salud asociados al control de DM2. Resultados: 84 documentos fueron incluidos. 1) La Salud Oral está incorporada en los planes nacionales de 22 países OCDE para el control de DM2. 2) De estos, 8 garantizan la atención odontológica con alta cobertura para DM2. 3) Países OCDE con alta cobertura odontológica presentan los mejores indicadores de control metabólico de DM2. Conclusiones: En el marco de la Salud Global, países que no tienen integrada la salud oral podrían beneficiarse si incorporan la atención odontológica con cobertura universal en el manejo integral y control de la DM2.