If living a healthy life is important to you, it starts with a healthy mouth. Moreover, poor dental health now has strong links to serious general health conditions.
According to a recent survey by the Australian Dental Association, most of us know that looking after our mouth is important for maintaining good general health. What is concerning is that almost two thirds of us are unaware of the link between the health of your mouth and some serious medical conditions.
Gum disease, where our gums become inflamed because of bacteria in our mouths, leads to bleeding gums and in some cases loosened teeth.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is linked to cardiovascular issues including the build-up of plaques on the arteries. This means simply that people with advanced gum disease are at a much higher risk of suffering a heart attack at some point in their lives.
The bacteria in the mouth which are present in people with gum disease can spread in the blood stream under certain circumstances and result in a general increase of inflammation in your body. Poor dental health, gum disease, dental decay and missing teeth have been associated with many health issues including low birthweight babies, stroke, kidney disease and type II diabetes as well.
So how can I improve my dental health to give me the best chance of leading a healthy life?
· It starts at home, ensuring that cleaning your teeth is as routine in your day as making a cup of tea.
· Our team of dentists at Brookfield Road Dental at Kenmore are here to work with you making sure your tooth cleaning efforts are the best that they can be.
· Make a visit to your dentist every 6 months as an important part of your routine as having your eyes or skin checked.
Remember, the stakes are high and it won’t be just fresh breath that will be your reward!