Frequently Asked Questions about oral care and wellbeing
We’ve put together a list of some of your most commonly asked questions about dental care and oral health in relation to your overall wellbeing, providing links to medical sources for further reading and personal research only.
Note/disclaimer:
This page has been created to provide further reading about typical health concerns. We have provided links to documented research published on official sites. The papers and articles have not been written by or endorsed by Dental Excel and we receive no incentive for posting the links.
What is oral health?
The term oral health refers to the condition of an individual’s teeth, gums, muscles and bones of the mouth.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, oral health typically deteriorates over the course of a person’s lifetime.
Read the full report here: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/introduction
Can poor oral health affect nutrition?
Poor oral health can sometimes lead to food avoidance, which can affect the intake of the nutrients needed for the average person: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/introduction
Link to a brochure from NSW Health includes simple meal options for those that need to eat only soft, moist foods because of pain in the mouth or trouble eating (read online or download a PDF): https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/soft-options-brochure.aspx
Is gum disease linked to heart disease?
This link contains a downloadable PDF factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/heart-disease-and-oral-health-factsheet.aspx
Heart disease and oral health pamphlet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/heart-disease-and-oral-health.aspx
Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health (2009) Australian dental journal: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01144.x
Does taking care of my teeth help prevent heart disease?
Article from a cardiologist, Dr Elizabeth Holper: https://www.sphealth.org/stories-news/stories/health-matters-how-can-taking-care-your-teeth-also-protect-your-heart
How does smoking affect my oral health?
Link to NSW government paper, containing information about the effects of smoking on your oral health and the benefits of quitting smoking: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/smoking-and-your-oral-health.aspx
Do I need to pay special attention to my oral health as a diabetic?
Flyer: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/diabetes-oral-health.aspx
Factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/diabetes-and-oral-health-factsheet.aspx
What are the common signs of gum disease?
These symptoms are typical of gum disease, but are not limited to – red or bleeding gums, pulling back of the gums from the teeth, bad breath (Gingivitis), loss of taste
Find out more at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/heart-disease-and-oral-health-factsheet.aspx
Should I tell my dentist about my heart problem?
According to NSW Health (NSW Government website), you should tell your dentist about any heart condition or problem: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/heart-disease-and-oral-health-factsheet.aspx
Can poor oral health affect me during pregnancy?
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/resources-pregnancy.aspx
Can regular dental visits help prevent poor oral health?
Link to poster: https://www.rhdaustralia.org.au/resources/important-dental-information-queensland-a3-poster
Watch a video about rheumatic heart disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DDs2STk3uY&feature=youtu.be
Dental Recommendations for Preventing Complications in Patients with Chronic Conditions (research paper): https://digital.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/docs/resource/James_Fricton_IQHIT_Q1_HP_Recommendations_for_Preventing_Complications_for_Chronic_Illnesses.pdf