THE LINK BETWEEN NEGLECTED ORAL HEALTH AND THE KNOCK-ON EFFECTS TO THE REST OF THE BODY

Most people think that if they don’t clean their teeth, they may be more prone to a filling and that’s about the worst that can happen. But that’s not the half of it - failing to brush twice a day and floss once a day and not eating a diet low in sugar is exposing you to a range of serious and potentially life threatening illnesses and diseases.

For Dental Health Week (7-13 August) the Australian Dental Association (ADA) wants to alert Australians to the very close links between WHAT GOES ON IN THEIR MOUTH AND THE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE REST OF THE BODY

The risks from a neglected mouth include heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, stroke, stomach ulcer, asthma, low birthweight babies and preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Countless studies over the last few decades have shown these links, and what’s concerning, says the ADA’s President Dr Stephen Liew, is that so many people just aren’t aware of this vital link. But how does the mouth link up with the rest of the body?

"THE MOUTH IS THE GATEWAY TO THE REST OF THE BODY – IT IS A HIGHLY VASCULAR SYSTEM WITH A BED OF BLOOD VESSELS UNDERNEATH," explained Dr Liew, a Melbourne dentist.

" WHEN THE TEETH AREN’T BRUSHED REGULARLY, OR NOT FLOSSED WHICH REACHES AREAS BETWEEN THE TEETH THAT ARE INACCESSIBLE TO BRUSHING, THE ORAL MUCOSA THAT LINE THE MOUTH BECOME INFLAMED, OPENING THE BLOOD VESSELS UP AND ENABLING BACTERIA AND TOXIC PRODUCTS TO ENTER SPACES IN THE MOUTH LINING AND THE BLOODSTREAM

“After this they are free to move onto other parts of the body where they induce a range of responses such as in the liver or heart.

" SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE MOUTH HEALTHY TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT ON THE BODY."

ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRIGGERS FOR THIS PROCESS IS UNTREATED GUM DISEASE OR PERIODONTITIS, SUFFERED BY ONE IN THREE AUSTRALIAN ADULTS.

Research across a range of studies has shown that people with periodontitis have a higher risk of a heart attack than people without it. In a study by Prof Joerg Eberhard, an oral health scientist and Chair of Lifespan Oral Health at the University of Sydney’s School of Dentistry, IT WAS FOUND THAT NOT BRUSHING YOUR TEETH CAUSED SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION WHICH COULD PROMPT SERIOUS CARDIAC EVENTS

For the study a cohort of healthy young people with no cardiovascular risk factors, deliberately did not brush the same quadrant of their mouths to see what effect it would have on their health.

“After three weeks the inflammation in that quadrant was measured and it was found the inflammation caused by not brushing there had also reached other parts of their body. As soon as they started brushing again, C-reactive protein, a risk marker for heart attacks, went down to normal levels.”

Dr Liew said: “These serious health conditions and events can be significantly reduced if people regularly look after their mouths by brushing twice a day with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a diet low in sugar and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups.”

“This should include a scale and clean which is vital for removing the bacteria that build up and start the process of periodontitis and inflammation.”

While other risk factors include older age, smoking, drinking alcohol above recommended levels and having diabetes, Dr Liew said that periodontitis signs can be difficult to spot and may include bleeding from the gums and very little or no pain. Without treatment, the condition can worsen over time until affected teeth may finally become loose.

“While severe periodontitis damage often can’t be reversed, you can stop its progression by seeing a dentist for treatment including professional cleaning of the teeth above and below the gums which the patient cannot access. This halts the disease and reduces inflammation.

“Regular dental visits are the best way to keep on top of your oral health and detect and manage conditions such as periodontitis, in their earliest stages of development.

"THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THOSE OTHER ORAL HEALTH BASICS THAT ADD UP TO ONLY ABOUT SIX MINUTES A DAY - BUT WHICH PROTECT NOT ONLY THE HEALTH OF YOUR MOUTH BUT YOUR WHOLE BODY.”

Allergic Rhnitis, we know it as Hay Fever. For many Spring is a fantastic time of year, for hay fever sufferers it’s a season of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and wheezing. When preparing for Spring many sufferers generally head to the Chemist for their preferred antihystermine, but there are other things that can help prevent the on set of Hay Fever, and as we know prevention is better than the cure.

Hay Fever is not just caused by pollon, dust, mites and pet hair,even household mould can cause hay fever. Giving the house a good Spring Clean is the first step in the prevention of Hay Fever symptoms. Removing anything that can become airborn is a great first step, but be wary of some high chemical cleaners as they can also contribute to Hay Fever or produce symptoms similar to Hay Fever.

SOME OTHER TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING OUTSIDE:

• Check the weather for the days pollen count, most weather forecasts have Pollon counts available.

• Stay indoors on windy days or days that have turbulent weather forecast, like thunderstorms.

• Choose plants that are pollinated by birds or insects, rather than plants that release their seeds into the air.

• Don’t visit people who have pets that shed hair. Spring is the first stage of transition from Winter coat to Summer coat for pets.

• Try splashing water on your eyes a few times a day as Hay Fever can build up and mild regular cleansing may help.

• Steer clear of people mowing the lawn or areas that have recently been mowed.

The above are all avoidance techniques, but if you want to continue to enjoy the outdoors you can wear a mask, these days its common practice to wear a mask for just about anything.

Also, if you get to know what triggers you then you will be able to manage your Hay Fever and possibly reduce the amount of things you need to avoid.