Influence of Oral Health on Overall Well-being

The health of the mouth influences the rest of the body with a range of medical conditions affected by, or affecting, oral health.

Almost half of the Australian population has one or more chronic diseases and yet 70% of people are not aware of the link between their oral health and chronic medical conditions.

Oral diseases are connected to Type 2 Diabetes Adverse pregnancy outcomes Heart diseases Gut issues Lung conditions Alzheimer s Disease

Strong Connections There is a particularly strong link between severe gum disease and conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Bacteria from severe gum disease can spread through the bloodstream contributing to build up within arteries and other blood vessels. Severe gum disease is now considered to be the 6th issue with diabetes. It makes controlling diabetes harder and diabetes will make gum disease worse.

Growing Connections Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Bacterial changes from gum disease can spread to the placenta leading to possible preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) or low birth weight. Aspiration Pneumonia Bacteria from the mouth in patients who cannot swallow easily has been inhaled leading to disease in the lungs. Alzheimer s Disease Bacteria from severe gum disease has been found in brain plaques that have led to the development of Alzheimer s disease and decline in memory.

Early Connections Gut Diseases There is early evidence showing that both diseases make one another worse due to increasing the body s total inflammation and bacteria from the mouth can travel to the gut that can worsen any gut issues. Lung Conditions including COVID-19 Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, with the bad bacteria from gum disease leading to worsened conditions in the lung.

The Importance of Oral Health It is clear to see how great an impact oral health has on the body s overall health. Prioritising good oral hygiene helps improve not only the health of your mouth but reduces the effects disease within the mouth may have on other chronic conditions. To maintain good oral health, we encourage everyone to do the following:

Four key steps for good oral health 1. Brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. 2. Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes. 3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake. 4. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.

Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste Choose a toothpaste containing fluoride. Low fluoride toothpaste is available for children. Brush for at least 2 minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Angle the brush to ensure you clean near the gum. Don t press too hard. This can damage the teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

Clean between your teeth every day Use floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Do this at least once per day. Start flossing children s teeth once they have two teeth touching side-by-side. This can be as early as two years of age. Your dentist can provide advice on what will work best for your teeth.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay. Choose tap water over sugary drinks, including fruit juice. Read the Nutrition Information Panel on food and drink labels to check how much sugar is present in the product. Choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, nuts and vegetables. Avoid snacking and grazing.

Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care Visit at least once per year and take children as soon as the first tooth appears. If you need to attend more regularly, your dentist will let you know. At your regular check up, your dentist will check for tooth decay, gum disease and check for any signs of oral cancer. If you need to find a dentist, the ADA s Find a Dentist website can help you to find one in your local area. ada.org.au/findadentist