Healthy teeth matter: the importance of oral health

<div class="blog_content-intro"><p>You might not realise, but your smile is a window to your overall health. Research shows the bacteria in your mouth can influence wellbeing far beyond gum disease, from heart health to pregnancy outcomes. 
In Australia, poor oral health contributes to 4.5% of all non-fatal disease burden, with preventable dental hospitalisations costing millions annually¹. Let’s explore why your teeth matter more than you might think—and how proactive care can safeguard your entire body.</p></div>

The surprising link between oral health and general health

The link between oral health and overall body health is backed by lots of scientific evidence but lots of people don’t know much about it. Dr Dominic Aouad, President of the Australian Dental Association NSW Branch, explains:

"The connection between oral health and overall systemic health is now well-established within the dental profession, but public awareness remains surprisingly low. The 2023 ADA Consumer Survey highlighted this gap, with 65% of Australians unaware of the link between oral health and general wellbeing. Meanwhile, one in five Australians still only brushes once a day, and a staggering 75% rarely or never floss."

Studies have shown that poor oral health can impact your health in many ways. 

"When you have gum disease, harmful bacteria and their byproducts can enter the bloodstream, traveling to different parts of the body,” explains Dr Aouad. “This can trigger inflammation, which is a common factor in many chronic diseases.”

“I’ve treated patients whose untreated infections led to severe pain, difficulty eating and avoidable hospital admissions,” he continues. “Beyond the physical toll, poor oral health can also affect mental wellbeing, confidence, and social interactions.”

Health concerns that chronic gum disease can lead to

As a clinician, Dr Aouad has seen firsthand how poor oral health can impact a person’s quality of life. “Chronic gum disease isn’t just about bad breath or bleeding gums,” he says. “It’s a persistent inflammatory condition that contributes to many systemic diseases.” 

Here are just some of the systemic issues that are linked to poor oral health:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Lung conditions
• Cancers
• Pregnancy complications
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid arthritis

While having oral disease doesn’t mean you will develop these conditions, it can increase your risk. Maintaining good oral health is an important part of looking after your overall wellbeing.

A dentist’s top 3 dental tips

Here are Dr Dom’s top tips for looking after your oral health:

1. Master your daily routine

Plaque left for 24–48 hours can harden into tartar, triggering gum inflammation. Make sure you brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to reduce the chance of decay, floss every night and replace your toothbrush every three months.

“Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily may sound basic, but they are the foundation of good oral health. Plaque buildup leads to cavities and gum disease, and without flossing, you’re missing 40% of your tooth surfaces.”
_{Dr Dominic Aouad President, Australian Dental Association NSW Branch}

2. Schedule regular checkups

Early cavity detection cuts treatment costs and helps to prevent future complications, yet in 2022-3, only 52% of Australians over 15 saw a dental professional in the last 12 months¹.

“Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure. Regular checkups allow early detection of problems before they become major issues. A professional clean removes hardened plaque that brushing alone can’t tackle.”
_{Dr Dominic Aouad President, Australian Dental Association NSW Branch}

3. Fuel your smile

Limit sugary snacks and choose healthy foods like fruit and vegetables high in Vitamin C to strengthen your gums, and calcium-rich foods like yoghurt to protect your teeth.

“Sugar fuels tooth decay, and acidic foods wear down enamel. Cutting back on sugary drinks, snacking less, and drinking water instead of soft drinks can make a huge difference. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots act as natural toothbrushes, helping to clean teeth and stimulate saliva, which protects against decay.”
_{Dr Dominic Aouad President, Australian Dental Association NSW Branch}

Taking action to protect your oral health

Regular checkups and good oral hygiene habits can save you from costly treatments and potential health complications down the line. By prioritising your oral care, you're taking a significant step towards overall wellness. So, what are you waiting for?

_{1. Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.}