DENTAL HEALTH

Your oral health is more important than you might realize.

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Good oral health is fundamental to your overall well-being. In fact, there is a proven relationship between oral and general health. Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. Gum disease and tooth decay have been linked to chronic health issues, such as diabetes and obesity.

The pain and discomfort of oral disease can make it difficult to concentrate at school and work. Swollen gums and loss of teeth can make eating difficult and affect a person’s nutritional intake. Oral disease can even compromise a person’s ability to speak clearly, and the embarrassment of bad breath associated with gum disease can cause social isolation.

Poor dental health can also have an economic impact on families by increasing household expenditure. Additional costs associated with treatments for severe gum disease and tooth decay can be frightening. Prevention is definitely better than cure!

It is therefore vital that people take steps to maintain good oral health. To prevent dental problems, dentists recommend:

· brushing for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste.

· replacing toothbrushes at least every three or four months.

· using floss to clean between the teeth at least once a day.

· maintaining a healthy diet.

· having routine dental examinations and cleaning once or twice a year.

What role do bacteria play in oral health?

We have long recognized the role of bacteria in tooth decay and gum infections. However, scientists have recently recognized the importance of maintaining a healthy bacterial population in your mouth.

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. But a healthy mouth microbiota will include mostly harmless bacteria. Proper oral hygiene can usually maintain these healthy forms of bacteria. However, when the proportion of “good” and “bad” bacteria is unbalanced, poor oral hygiene can damage gum tissue.

Maintaining a healthy oral microbiota is a fundamental part of good dental health. Poor oral hygiene can cause a shift in this delicate balance and lead to the build-up of plaque, gum disease and tooth decay.

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How can the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums affect your general health?

Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Normally, the body’s natural defences and good dental care keep “bad” bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Alarmingly, studies suggest that the inflammation associated with severe gum disease might play a role in some diseases.

· Some research suggests that cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and clogged arteries, may be linked to inflammatory processes caused by oral bacteria.

· "Bad" bacteria can infiltrate your nasal passages and airways, leading to respiratory illnesses such as allergic rhinitis and pneumonia.

· Scientists have observed a link between periodontitis and premature birth and low birth weight.

Dental disease is more common than you think

In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that nearly half of the world’s population has untreated oral diseases. And according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 25% of U.S. adults have untreated dental cavities, while almost 50% of adults over 30 have signs of gum disease.

These figures are a significant concern, and considering how poor dental health affects lives, it is important that everyone needs to take steps to ensure good oral health.

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Reference list

AIHW (2018). Oral health and dental care in australia, introduction - australian institute of health and welfare. [online] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/introduction [Accessed 31 Mar. 2023].

Mayo Clinic (2021). Oral health: A window to your overall health. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 [Accessed 31 Mar. 2023].

Scapoli, L., Girardi, A., Palmieri, A., Testori, T., Zuffetti, F., Monguzzi, R., Lauritano, D. and Carinci, F. (2012). Microflora and periodontal disease. Dental Research Journal, [online] 9(Suppl 2), pp.S202–S206. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-3327.109755.

Searing, L. (2022). World Health Organization cites ‘alarming’ dental statistics. Washington Post. [online] 29 Feb. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/29/cavities-teeth-gum-disease-dental/.

World Health Organization (2022). Oral Health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#tab=tab_1 [Accessed 31 Mar. 2023].

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