World Oral Health Day falls on 20 March this year, and there is a continuing campaign theme urging people to be proud of their mouth. The three-year campaign launched last year promotes a simple but very important message, urging everyone to value their oral health and take care of it. This year, the message highlights how important it is to have a healthy mouth for general well-being.
In many countries, including Australia, oral disease is a major concern. Gum disease and tooth decay are very common and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Oral disease can become isolating, causing a loss of self-confidence when you know your teeth do not look their best. Yet these diseases are preventable and are easily treated during their early stages.
Focusing on Preventive Oral Care
World Oral Health Day and the entire month of March are ideal opportunities to encourage patients to focus on oral health. We firmly believe in preventive oral care, encouraging everyone to have six-monthly checkups and dental cleanings. It is the easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain a healthy mouth you can feel proud to show the world. Additionally, when you visit our practice, we can provide useful information and practical advice on caring for your mouth at home.
Why Is Oral Health Important for General Well-Being?
People often overlook the importance of a healthy mouth when thinking about their general health, but they are closely connected. You need healthy teeth and gums for everyday activities, including eating and speaking. Speaking confidently is tricky without a full complement of teeth. Some people may avoid speaking in public or will hide their mouth.
Without strong teeth, it’s impossible to eat many foods comfortably, and digestion begins in the mouth. You need to chew food thoroughly, and saliva contains important digestive enzymes. Moistening the food with saliva makes it easier to swallow, ensuring your body can extract maximum nutrition from the foods you eat. With strong and healthy teeth, you can enjoy a better diet, helping to protect your general health.
Gum disease is of particular concern and, unfortunately, is very common. Your mouth contains many bacteria, most of which are harmless and are kept under control with good oral care, including brushing twice daily and flossing every day. But, without a proper oral care routine, these bacteria can build up to unmanageable numbers, infecting and inflaming your gums and eventually causing them to recede and destroying the tissues supporting your teeth, including gums and bone. Severe gum disease results in gums that bleed easily, letting these harmful bacteria enter your bloodstream via the capillaries and blood vessels in your gums. Currently, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and problems during pregnancy.
The early stages of gum disease are often overlooked but easily detected when you visit our practice for regular checkups. Early gum disease is reversible by removing the infectious bacteria during a professional dental cleaning and working with you to improve your oral care routine.
Even if you haven’t visited the dentist for a while, it’s never too late to start improving your dental health so contact us to book your appointment.
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