Why is this important?
Our oral health affects more than just our teeth. The oral health has impacts on our overall wellbeing.
Poor oral health practices can have major impacts on one’s health and has been associated with:
- Cardiovascular disease affecting heart health
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis (gum disease) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
- Bacteria from the mouth can enter into one’s respiratory tract and thus their lungs causing a number of respiratory illnesses
Other existing health conditions can also have an effect on our oral health including:
- Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to manage infection and can make the gums susceptible to disease
- HIV/AIDS. Conditions such as mucosal lesions are common with patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoarthritis weakens the bones and is linked to bone loss and tooth loss. There are also some drugs that are used in the treatment of osteoporosis which carry a small risk of damage to the jawbone.
Tempting though it is to think everyone is practicing good oral health, the reality is that the oral health of many Australians is not where it should be. Data from the Australian Dental Association tells us that unfortunately, oral health can be largely overlooked. Their statistics show that currently in Australia,
- 65% haven’t seen a dentist in the last 2 years
- 50% only brush their teeth once a day
- Nearly 40% never floss or clean between their teeth
- 73% of young Australians (ages between 14 – 18 years) consume too much sugar.
All of these factors impact on our oral health….and ultimately our pocket!
How?
The cost for fixing issues associated with bad oral health are far more expensive than ongoing good oral health practices.
So – What is the best way to ensure good oral health through a preventative approach?
There are some simple steps you can take to ensure good oral health.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Upon waking and before bed is best
- Clean between your teeth at least once a day using either floss or an interdental brush
- Make healthy choices and eat a balanced healthy diet with limited sugar intake
- Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and preventive treatment.
This year, these important messages will be reinforced via the tagline “How’s Your Oral Health Tracking?”, which draws off the ADA Oral Health Tracker report cards, a world-first initiative that documents and tracks Australia’s oral health status.
What are you waiting for?
To ensure that at least your dental health is on track, call our team today to setup a visit and get your healthy oral journey underway.
