Taking care of your oral health can do more than achieve a beautiful smile.  

Research increasingly shows that there is an important connection between one’s oral and overall health. This is largely due to the fact that gum disease has been linked to a number of other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Interestingly, gum disease is actually the most common chronic inflammatory condition and inflammation in the mouth can cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Read on to find out more about how your dental health and general wellness are connected, and what you can do to take proper care of your smile…

What’s the connection?  

The mouth is packed with bacteria, most of which are completely harmless. But the mouth leads to other areas of the body, such as the digestive and respiratory tracts, and certain types of oral bacteria can lead to health problems. The good news is that with the proper oral hygiene habits, it is usually possible to keep harmful bacteria at bay. If, however, you do not keep your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the mouth can multiply to such an extent that they cause oral infections, which in turn can lead to problems like gum disease and tooth decay. The inflammation that is associated with advanced gum disease has been linked to a range of other health issues.

Which conditions are connected to your oral health?  

Studies suggest that your oral health might play a role in the development of certain other health conditions. These include certain heart infections and diseases, which may be linked to the inflammation caused by oral bacteria. Severe gum disease has also been associated with certain pregnancy and birth complications.

There are also some health conditions that could have an effect on your oral health. These include diabetes, which tends to increase one’s risk of infections like gum disease; HIV/AIDS, which is often associated with oral problems like painful lesions; and Alzheimer’s disease, which often leads to poor oral hygiene and health as the disease worsens over time.

How can you take care of your oral health?

In order to maintain your oral health and protect your general wellness, it is very important that you practice proper oral hygiene every day. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice day and flossing daily. If you have dentures, be sure to keep them clean by washing them regularly and soaking them overnight.

It is also advisable that you eat a healthy, balanced diet and that you limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

Be sure to see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans so that any potential issues can be identified and quickly resolved. If you notice any signs of inflammation, such as tender or bleeding gums, it is important that you discuss the issue with your dentist as soon as possible.

How can we help?

At Impressions Dental Studio, we have been helping patients for over 50 years. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health even after tooth loss. We offer a range of dentures designed to restore full oral function — these include partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, and immediate dentures. We also offer relines and repairs, as well as emergency repair services.

If you have a question about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to raise it with us when you come in for your next visit. We are available to provide you with all the information you need to take care of your smile and enjoy good oral health in the long-term.

If you would like to find out more about the range of treatments and services that we offer at Impressions Dental Studio in Robina, please have a look here.

If you would like to book an appointment, give us a call on 1300 85 20 30 or please get in touch here.