Mind, body, mouth – it’s all connected
It’s Dental Health Week and the Dental Services Team at Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is reminding local residents to care for their teeth and gums to improve the health of their mouth and reduce the impacts of disease on the mind and body.
“Many people are not aware that the health of your mouth can impact other parts of your body,” said Kate Berend, Oral Health Therapist, MDHS.
“Our mouths are a gateway to the body for food as well as bacteria, and there are connections between diseases in the mouth, mind and body,” said Ms Berend.
“For example there are strong links between severe gum disease and conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
“There is a growing body of evidence connecting oral diseases with gut issues, lung conditions, Alzheimer’s Disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes,” she said.
This is largely because bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body. Inflammation in the mouth can also increase the body’s overall inflammation.
MDHS dentists and oral hygiene therapists encourage everyone to follow four key steps to keep their teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.
A visit to the dentist is a great way to learn more about oral health and get your questions answered by a professional. If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, now is a great time to make an appointment.
Children, pregnant women who hold a healthcare card and many others have priority access to our public dental services, often free of charge.
“While good oral health is important for everyone, it’s essential that children adapt good habits and routines early in life because oral diseases including decay and gum disease are largely preventable,” said Ms Berend.
For more information visit our dental services page or call 03 5461 0388.
Photo:
The Dental Services team at Maryborough District Health Service is urging everyone to keep their teeth and gums healthy to stay well.
From left to right – Kate Berend, Oral Health Therapist, Irene Legislador, Dental Assistant and Winny Mathews, Dentist.