The 7th of April 2017 marks World Health Day. Celebrated globally to raise awareness for the importance of good health, WHD was officially launched in 1950 and is now celebrated in over 140 countries worldwide.
The World Dental Federation’s aim is to dramatically increase the number of people in the world who have access to health care. Within Australia, World Health Day helps to promote affordable public health care for those who may not have the means of accessing it, including underprivileged families, indigenous communities, and those living in remote areas. As part of World Health Day, Coastal Dental Care aims to highlight the importance of effective dental care and how it can affect other areas of the body.

The mouth-body connection

Believe it or not, oral and gum disease can have a direct connection to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infection. Inflammation within the gums and the chemicals it releases can deteriorate the gums and bone, which in turn can spread to other areas of the body. Putting off regular dental check-ups and oral health concerns can have a greater impact than many people realise. By preventing the onset of oral disease, a number of more serious health problems can be avoided, including:

Heart disease

The bacteria from inflamed gums can be easily transported through the bloodstream and to the arteries in the heart, causing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This then decreases the blood flow and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes

Inflamed gums can make it difficult to control your blood sugar level, making diabetic symptoms worse. Gum disease is generally more common and severe for people with poor glucose levels as they have a lower resistance to infection.

Respiratory infections

While it may seem like an odd connection, breathing in bacteria from infected teeth and gums can actually lead to infection of the lungs, causing conditions such as pneumonia.

World Health Day at Coastal Dental Care

With advancements in dental techniques, the link between oral diseases and general health problems are no longer a far-fetched concept among dentists and their patients. By taking a more holistic approach to dental care, the community has extended the scope in which oral health is treated.

Coastal Dental Care is proud to support world health day and is committed to raising awareness for the importance of oral health globally and Australia wide. Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and with a growing number of practices across South East Queensland and Northern NSW, making an appointment with a Coastal Dental Care practice has never been easier!
To book an appointment with our friendly team, contact us today!