Did you know that the condition of your teeth and gums can have a significant impact on your general health?
In the current health aware climate there has been an increased focus on optimising our general health and wellbeing to maintain a healthy immune system and protect ourselves against significant health issues.
The link between dental health and general heath is significant, with several reports over the years revealing the importance of maintaining good oral health so as to support our general health.
Some key links between dental health and general health outcomes are:
1. Poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, stroke and dementia
2. There are common risk factors shared by oral health issues and major systemic diseases such as alcohol and tobacco use, diet, hygiene, stress and trauma.
3. The presence of periodontal disease (gum disease) in pregnancy has been shown to lead to a 7x greater risk of low birth weight preterm births
4. Poor oral health can adversely impact on people’s eating ability, healthy diet choices, sleep quality and withdrawal from social roles.
5. Poor general health may cause or worsen oral health problems due to disease or medication associated reduction in saliva flow and a subsequent increase in decay inducing plaque deposits
6. Individuals with difficult to control diabetes have at least a 3 times greater risk of periodontal disease
7. Low level aspiration (breathing into the respiratory tract) of oral saliva during sleep is common especially in elderly and institutionalized patients, it has been shown that improving oral health in these groups reduces the instance of lung infections.
The mouth is full of bacteria, which along with specific proteins form a film on teeth called plaque, and over time the plaque and acid can create tooth decay leading to cavities, tooth pain and sometimes tooth loss if the process is not stopped in time.
Good oral health care, such as flossing, brushing and regular examination and cleans with a dental professional will ensure that you keep oral bacteria under control and will ensure preventative care of your teeth. We think they are one of your most precious assets.