The impact of oral health won’t stop at the mouth — how six minutes might help

Key points:

• 75 percent of people rarely or never floss their teeth

• Almost one-in-five people only brush their teeth once a day

• One-in-three Australian adults has gum disease and research across a range of studies has shown that people with advanced gum disease have a much higher risk of a heart attack

Almost two-thirds of the Australian population are not aware of the serious impact oral health has on general wellbeing, according to the Australian Dental Association [ADA] Consumer Survey, published August 2, 2023.

ADA President Dr Stephen Liew said that six minutes each day, spent brushing teeth and flossing, can offset the negative impact of poor oral hygiene on the rest of the body, which may contribute to serious conditions such as type-two diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

The ADA found the gap between what Australians know and what they knowingly overlook is related to their dental check-ups, with 64 percent of Consumer Survey respondents stating they would only visit when they had a problem.

Consumer Survey respondents reported that their dental health was ‘poor,’ ‘very poor,’ or only ‘fair,’ in 57 percent of ADA feedback. The majority of those with one of these ratings said it’s because they ‘don’t visit their dentist often enough,’ with fewer than 14 percent of all respondents giving their health a perfect score.

“These results show that just because we know what’s good for us, [it] doesn’t always mean we follow through by doing the right thing by our mouth,” Dr Liew said.

“The knock-on effect of not brushing twice a day and flossing daily risks gum disease which when left untreated, can harm the rest of the body […] Research across a range of studies has shown that people with advanced gum disease have a much higher risk of a heart attack.” 

Research over decades has shown the main conditions related to poor oral health — including untreated periodontitis, tooth decay and tooth loss — with the rest of the body. For older Australians, in particular, oral health is associated with: cardiovascular issues, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, type-two diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr Liew said people who care for an older relative may need to take precautions, to support their health and the quality of oral care their loved one receives.

“People need to be looking at cognitive or dexterity issues with oral health — you might need to be looking in their mouths. Now, you’re not a dental clinician — so you will have to take them to the dentist, eventually.”

The ADA President told Talking Aged Care journalist David McManus that relatives need to be holding their residential aged care providers accountable.

“Ask whether the dentures are being taken out and cleaned, if there is a cup at the bedside for their storage, as there should be. If your parent qualifies for public dental care via a healthcare card or other means, it can be a long wait to be seen — so make sure they’re in the system as soon as possible.”

“It’s never too late to start putting a little more oomph into your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day and clean between the teeth at least once a day — these are really quick and easy measures that all Aussies should be doing,” Dr Liew explained.

Dr Liew said that for the public, spotting untreated severe gum disease (periodontitis) can be difficult as often there’s no pain. Signs to look out for include extended gum bleeding, receding gums and loose teeth. While periodontitis can’t be reversed, it can be stopped in its tracks and managed with dental treatment.

“If you think you have a problem or you’re overdue for a checkup, see your dentist and get them to assess your mouth health early rather than leaving it. The earlier we detect issues, the easier they are to resolve,” he concluded.