Your Oral Health = Your Overall Health

Sounds surprising, but it is true! Your oral health reflects details of your current overall health. Your oral health also could be a contributing problem to your overall health. This is why Dr Tony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental Practicehave a holistic view. They look beyond just your teeth and gums to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Did you know that a reduction in salvia flow occurs when you are taking certain medications? Often it is taking antihistamines, diuretics, painkillers or decongestants that are to blame. When we produce less saliva we are not able to protect our teeth from an overgrowth of bacteria. Saliva is a very powerful tool in our oral health system as it neutralizes acids and helps wash food away.

Did you know that what you eat and drink, such as sugar (not just sweets but fruits and breads too) can play a harmful role in the formation of tooth decay? Did you know that by having red or inflamed gums you are putting your overall health at risk? It halts your immune system.

When our oral health defence system is down, oral bacteria, plaque and biofilms start to reek havoc on our systemic health. Systemic is defined in The American Heritage Medical Dictionary as; “of, relating to, or affecting the entire body or an entire organism especially the nervous system”. Numerous amounts of research has shown that your oral health might be affected by, or contribute to various systemic diseases and conditions.

Conditions/Diseases	Oral Health Affected/Contributed
Cardiovascular disease	Twice as likely to suffer a heart attack if you have periodontal disease.
Diabetes	The immune system is compromised and infections such as gum disease occur. Gum disease has been linked to disrupting the ability to control blood sugar levels.
Endocarditis	When bacteria from another part of the body enters the bloodstream, such as from periodontal disease, risk is increased.
Alzheimer’s disease	The American Psychological Association research showed tooth loss before the age of 35 (often due to periodontal disease) puts you at a higher risk of experiencing Alzheimer’s
Stroke	Research published in Clinical Advisor has shown the oral bacteria makes a person more susceptible to developing blood clots.
Osteoporosis	Has been linked with periodontal bone loss.
HIV/AIDS	According to WebMd oral mucosal lesions are often present.
Premature birth/low birth weight	Data gathered by the Australian Dental Association on mothers with periodontitis showed an increase risk of premature birth/low birth weight than mothers who had good oral health.
Sjogren’s syndrome	An immune system disorder that causes dry mouth.

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