Good oral hygiene is important for a range of reasons. It not only keeps your teeth in optimal condition, but allows you to speak and eat properly, not to mention helps you look after your overall wellbeing.
Surprised? Well, oral hygiene and general health are actually much more closely tied than you may think. Our principal dentist, Dr Adrian Kat, spoke to the West Australian last year about this very topic. Read on to find out more.
So, what constitutes good oral health?
Taking good care of your oral health means:
- Your teeth are clean
- Your gums are firmly held against your teeth and do not hurt or bleed when brushing or flossing
- Your teeth and gums are infection-free
- Bad breath is not a consistent problem
- You don’t experience pain or discomfort when eating, drinking or speaking
To put it simply, these ideals are achieved through regular brushing and flossing (twice a day) and attending regular professional dental checkups. So then, what happens when you neglect this? How does poor oral health impact on general health?
Poor oral health and systemic conditions
Untreated oral conditions and inflammation can result in more than just bad breath—they can also have a big impact on your overall health. You may be asking, how can oral health affect overall health? Well, our oral health can actually be a good indicator of general wellbeing.
So, exactly how does poor oral health impact on general health? Well, poor oral hygiene can be linked to some common conditions including:
- Diabetes — The reduction in the body’s ability to fight infections can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Heart disease — Some research suggests that cardiovascular disease can be linked to the infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pregnancy and birth complications — Periodontal disease has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.
- Pneumonia — Bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.
When your teeth and gums are infected, the bacteria present in your mouth is swallowed and can make it into your digestive system and bloodstream. This can potentially cause a range of health issues, such as; systemic infections, cardiovascular problems, compromised immune function, and even an increased risk of certain chronic diseases. It highlights the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely dental care to prevent the spread of infections and safeguard overall health.
Impact on psychological health
Having a poor degree of oral health, tooth loss and pain can impact one’s psychological health just as much as it can impact their physical health. Feelings of embarrassment, low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression may arise due to the social and emotional consequences of dental issues. Additionally, the inability to eat comfortably or speak clearly can further contribute to a decline in mental wellbeing. Addressing dental problems and maintaining good oral hygiene not only promotes physical health but also supports positive psychological well-being.
Periodontal disease
It is very important to seek professional dental care if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, including:
- Red or swollen gums
- Pain while chewing
- Sore or bleeding gums
- Sensitive or loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Any change to the way your teeth fit together when you bite
So, to answer the question: can bad oral hygiene cause health problems? Yes, the two are closely related and it is important to look after your oral health as well as your general health.
Restoring smiles back to full functionality
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we have a passion for restoring smiles impacted by tooth loss or damage. Creating bespoke smiles and promoting genuine and compassionate care are two things we feel extremely strongly about.
With over 60 years of combined experience, our team of cosmetic dentists take a personalised approach to each and every one of our patients. We have a range of treatments that are professionally designed and applied by our experienced team to ensure high quality results.
All-On-4 dental implants
At our Perth clinic, single dental implants or All-On-4 implants are available, depending on your condition. Our innovative All-On-4 treatment is a high-quality, permanent alternative to dentures. This incredibly effective solution to replacing terminal or missing teeth gives you back full functionality, so that you can enjoy your favourite foods again.
Porcelain veneers
Advanced Dental Artistry’s porcelain veneers are made using the highest quality materials and innovative technology to create a natural looking, more uniform smile. Each of our ultra-thin porcelain veneers are hand-crafted to ensure they are completely customised to your face. Offering the optimal solution to stained, chipped or cracked teeth, our porcelain veneers are seamlessly bonded to your natural teeth, helping to restore damage and give you a natural look and feel.
Full mouth reconstruction
Ideal for those that don’t require full teeth replacement, our full mouth reconstruction service is a highly tailored process that uses a combination of hand-crafted porcelain veneers and dental implants. The result is a professionally restored smile that promotes improved oral health.
Your perfect smile, still uniquely ‘you’
Our cosmetic dentistry treatments will not only restore full functionality, but also give you a beautiful smile that is perfectly suited to you.
While we are passionate about helping everyone we can, it is important to know that patients need to have a good state of oral health before they undergo any cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Every patient that visits our practice for a consult will receive a thorough assessment and the support they need to give their mouth the best foundations for their cosmetic treatment. This may involve treatments performed by our internal team or referral to one of our professional contacts that we often work with.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any concerns regarding your oral health, we would be more than happy to help.