It is a lamentable fact that not many people realise just how much we depend on our teeth to be healthy and strong until it is too late. In Australia, one in six adults are found to suffer from severe tooth decay. Those with severe tooth decay have lost at least 10 of their permanent teeth. The latest available Oral Health Tracker report paints a very bleak picture about the state of Australia’s teeth.
Half of the adults in the country skip out on brushing their teeth twice a day. And the statistics for children are similarly disturbing – one third of our young neglect their oral hygiene routine.
Brushing one’s teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes is the most basic of obligations we have towards our dental health. Then there is the daily flossing and without these two daily rituals, there is every chance that teeth will be lost to tooth decay down the line.
Another significant contributor to tooth loss is missing out on visiting the dentist Sydney CBD for routine check-ups. The Australian Dental Association and other regulatory bodies continue to educate the population about the dangers of poor dental health through initiatives like Dental Health Week and the crucial importance of dental check-ups.
These visits serve the all-important purpose of identifying worrying signs that indicate a problem. This opportunity allows for a dental practitioner to stop the escalation of the problem in its tracks through implementing preventive treatments that have been found to be highly effective. Ignoring dental health only results in one thing – more serious health problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
Other risks of poor dental health
Poor nutrition
One of the direct effects of tooth problems is the risk of nutrient deficiencies. When we cannot bite or chew properly, this affects our digestion and how well the body is able to absorb nutrients from the food.
Looked at in another way, not having the ability to eat a wide variety of foods, because biting and chewing is a problem, risks not consuming all the various essential vitamins and minerals the body needs.
Poor psychosocial wellbeing
The loss of the ability to smile a great looking smile risks one’s mental and emotional health. It is only natural to find one hiding one’s smile if it is deemed to be unattractive with tooth decay, inflamed red gums, stained teeth, chipped or cracked teeth. Losing the ability to smile confidently affects one’s willingness to engage with others either socially or professionally. In practical terms this means not being able to make friends easily or put oneself forward for career advancement opportunities.
Complicates chronic medical conditions further
Poor dental health does not exist in isolation, but very often what happens in the mouth impacts overall physical health too. Gum disease, for instance, opens up the risk of bad oral bacteria finding a way to reach and affect life-giving organs like the heart and lungs; raising the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
