SBS 'Three Eyes' takes an in-depth look at the impact of oral health on overall systemic health. From experts' warning that periodontitis patients face approximately 3.7 times higher risk of developing oral cancer than the general public, to the reality of bacteria hidden in saliva — the broadcast examines the importance of managing the oral ecosystem from multiple angles.

This episode features MC Kim Seok-hoon and So Seul-ji, along with science writer Kwak Jae-sik, docent Lee Chang-yong, periodontist Lim Se-woong, and internist Kang Soo-jin, exploring three methods to maintain a healthy oral ecosystem.

■ The Importance of Oral Health Highlighted by the 'Match Girl' Case

Docent Lee Chang-yong introduced the case of a 16-year-old girl who worked in a 19th-century match factory and underwent jawbone resection surgery due to long-term exposure to toxic substances. He explained that patients with cavities are far more vulnerable to toxic substances, warning that an unhealthy oral condition can lead to serious diseases beyond simple dental problems.

■ Oral 'Signals' Not to Be Dismissed as Fatigue or Stress

The broadcast emphasized that symptoms such as mouth ulcers, which are commonly overlooked due to fatigue or stress, can also be signs of physical abnormalities. When there are wounds in the mouth, bacteria in saliva can spread throughout the body via blood vessels. With poor oral hygiene, up to 189 million bacteria can exist per 1mL of saliva, and even in a good oral condition, approximately 3.62 million bacteria are swallowed each time saliva is swallowed.

Internist Kang Soo-jin pointed out that brushing teeth three times a day for three minutes each amounts to only about 9 minutes, leaving the oral environment exposed to bacteria for the remaining time. She added that bacteria primarily hide not on the tooth surface but in the gaps between teeth and gums, emphasizing the need to manage even invisible blind spots.

■ "Produces Cancer-Causing Metabolites"... Periodontitis Increases Oral Cancer Risk by 3.7 Times

Periodontist Lim Se-woong explained that the risk of oral cancer increases approximately 3.7 times for periodontitis patients, stating, "Oral pathogenic bacteria can themselves produce various metabolites that can cause cancer."

While the five-year survival rate for oral cancer reaches 80-90% when detected early, it can drop by half if diagnosis is delayed. Because it can metastasize rapidly to the lungs, bones, and liver, prevention and early detection are more important than anything else.

Experts recommend not overlooking even small oral changes, maintaining a healthy oral ecosystem on a regular basis, and developing a habit of checking for abnormal symptoms early.

SBS 'Three Eyes' episode 54 will air on Sunday, August 2 at 8:35 a.m.