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Smile Power: Revealing the Link Between Your Oral and Overall Health For World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day

Mark your calendars, the 20th of March isn’t just any day – it’s World Oral Health Day.

World Oral Health Day is devoted to empowering people, with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their oral health, and here’s why:

Oral diseases, from pesky cavities to gum disease, can impact many aspects of our lives, causing pain, discomfort, isolation, and even denting our self-confidence. Furthermore, many oral diseases are linked to other significant health issues including cardiovascular disease, and diabetes and even contribute to certain adverse outcomes in pregnancy.

The good news is, that armed with the right know-how and a touch of confidence, many of these issues are preventable or treatable in their early stages.

So, why are we so passionate about this at Lillybrook Dental?

Because we’re not just here to look after your pearly whites– we’re here to support your overall well-being through good oral health practices.

So, grab your toothbrush, and let’s dive into the fascinating links between a healthy mouth and a healthier you!

 

Heart Health

When it comes to looking after our heart many of us jump straight to thinking about diet and exercise, but did you know that your oral health might have an impact on your cardiovascular health as well?

In fact, gum disease may double your risk of heart disease.

Gum disease is an infection in your gums, the tissue responsible for supporting your teeth. It’s easy to understand how gum disease might be bad news for your teeth but how does it impact your heart health?

Well, the bacteria in your mouth, associated with gum disease may contribute to inflammation in other areas of your body and possibly increase your risk of heart attack by narrowing some blood vessels.

So, as you prioritise your heart health, remember not to overlook your oral health as well.

 

Diabetes Management

If you, or someone you love lives with diabetes, you’ll understand the delicate dance involved in managing blood glucose levels, but we’ll bet you’d never considered oral health as a partner in that dance routine.

Interestingly, a two-way relationship exists between gum disease and diabetes.

Diabetes Management

Firstly, uncontrolled diabetes may weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fend off oral infections like gum disease, tooth decay, and fungal infections. On the flip side, if you’re dealing with gum disease, it might cause challenges with controlling your blood glucose levels.

And that’s not all – diabetes might also bring along other oral health issues such as tooth decay, oral thrush, taste changes, delayed healing of wounds like mouth ulcers, and decreased saliva production leading to dry mouth.

It’s easy to see why prioritising your oral health is so important when living with diabetes.

 

Respiratory Health

When it comes to caring for our lungs, we might think of steering clear of pollution and kicking the smoking habit. But, here’s a lungful of surprising news – your oral health might be more connected to your respiratory well-being than you’d think!

Did you know that studies have uncovered an interesting link between the bacteria in your mouth and some lung conditions?

Oral conditions like tooth decay or dental abscesses create little pockets of infection in your mouth. Bacteria, from these pockets might travel from your mouth into your lungs. This could contribute to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia as well as exacerbating some other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

So, looking after your oral health is important to supporting the health of your lungs too.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

It’s no secret your physical well-being can affect your mental health, so it makes sense that if your body isn’t feeling its best your mind might be affected.

Surprisingly, this principle extends to your teeth, too. Australian dental experts suggest that your dental health can influence your self-esteem. A healthy smile might give your confidence a boost and enhance your social interactions positively. On the flip side, dental issues like bad breath or tooth loss might contribute to feelings of embarrassment or even lead to social isolation.

Mental Health

In another two-way relationship, your mental health may also impact your oral health.

For some living with mental illness, the risk of developing certain dental conditions may be higher. This may be due to factors such as depression causing a decline in oral health care, eating disorders leading to tooth erosion, the impact of certain medications, smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices.

Furthermore, there is a connection between your stress levels, immune function and oral health. When your stress levels soar, your immune system may take a hit, leaving you vulnerable to oral infections. Stress may also manifest physically, leading to jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and canker sores.

Because of this, it’s recommended to incorporate stress management techniques into your routine to help ease the impact of stress on your oral health.

 

Pregnancy

Expecting a bundle of joy? Looking after your oral health during pregnancy is important for both mum and bub.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase your risk of gum disease. Severe gum disease, left unchecked, might lead to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

So, taking care of your smile is an important part of the journey to motherhood!

 

Ageing

As the years add up, your teeth and gums become more susceptible to various issues, making safeguarding your dental health all the more important.

Struggling with poor oral health in older age, including issues with your teeth, gums, and dentures, can have a profound impact on various aspects of your overall well-being. This may lead to compromised nutrition due to pain or challenges with eating, a diminished sense of self-esteem linked to the appearance of your teeth, and even a worsening of other existing health conditions.

Addressing oral health concerns isn’t just a matter of dental care but a vital part of protecting overall well-being as we age.

 

How Lillybrook Dental Can Help

Whether you’re living with gum disease, managing diabetes, or expecting a little one, remember that your oral health plays a vital role in these life journeys. By embracing positive dental habits, you not only safeguard your smile but contribute to a healthier you.

Our team at Lillybrook Dental are here to help you keep your smile healthy at every age and stage of life.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to give us a call or make a booking here.

 

Disclaimer

All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.

 

References

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