Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Oral Health Manager Kellie Ringberg said the message for Dental Health Week (7 to 13 August) is “Mind, Body, Mouth“ because the three are strongly connected.
“There are links between diseases in the mouth and diseases in the body,” Kellie said.
“Bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body and inflammation in the mouth can increase the body’s overall inflammation.”
Kellie said scientists are exploring connections between oral health and Heart Disease, Diabetes. Alzheimer’s Disease, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, lung conditions and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
It’s easy to ensure you maintain your oral health and protect yourself from potential adverse impacts elsewhere in your body with a few simple steps.
KELLIE’S ORAL HEALTH TIPS
- Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste (at least 2 minutes each time), use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.
- Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake, choose water over sugary drinks, read the nutrition panel on food and drink labels to check how much sugar is present in the product, choose tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, nuts and vegetables, avoid snacking and grazing.
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care.
