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Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, with almost 90% of Australian adults experiencing some form of permanent tooth decay as of 2018. Bad oral health has a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence, especially when it results in dental disorders like tooth loss and anterior decay.

Prioritising positive dental health doesn’t just give you a beauty boost; it offers plenty of oral health benefits, including reducing gum disease, decreasing inflammation and preventing tooth decay.

An unhealthy mouth can lead to unpleasant consequences, like bad breath, toothache and disease. Let’s discover  how positive dental health has a lasting positive impact on your life and how you can easily achieve good dental hygiene to maintain your overall well-being today!

How Dental Health Affects Overall Health:

Whether you’re going on a first date, delivering an important work presentation or attending a pub gathering with friends, a bright smile delivers a lasting impression and makes you feel good. Positive dental health correlates with better mental well-being, and investing in your teeth and smile can vastly improve your confidence.

We know there’s a link between dental health and significant health complications like heart problems, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. By making a daily commitment to care for your teeth, you can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues. Regular brushing and flossing not only contribute to a healthy mouth but also have a tremendous impact on keeping your entire body in tip-top shape.

What Problems Could Poor Dental Hygiene Cause?

While it might be tempting to skip your evening brushing or not floss for a day or two, poor dental hygiene can lead to several dental problems. Plaque build-up due to inadequate cleaning is the biggest offender when it comes to tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more severe issues like periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting your teeth.

Dental diseases like tooth decay occur when the environment of your teeth is compromised. Frequent exposure to sugary, starchy, carbohydrate-rich foods or smoking can cause the surface of your teeth to become brittle, dry and compromised. Bacteria growth becomes widespread, leading to discolouration, pain and decay.

Some of the other common ailments caused by bad dental hygiene include:

• Bad Breath – Neglecting oral hygiene can result in an embarrassing consequence: the deterioration of your teeth. Poor oral health leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, particularly on the tongue and between teeth. This condition, known as halitosis, can cause those around you to wrinkle their noses in discomfort.
• Sensitivity – If you find yourself experiencing pain in your jaw every time you indulge in ice cream, it could be a sign of sensitive teeth caused by inadequate dental hygiene. When the tooth enamel erodes, it exposes microscopic tubes within the dentin, making it more susceptible to irritation from hot or cold foods.
• Loss of Teeth – this is the final stage, where there has been significant damage to the tooth or gum. If left untreated, bacteria from the mouth’s plaque build-up can spread into the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth. This leads to your teeth becoming loose, as well as eventual loss of teeth.

Poor dental health can have a detrimental impact on overall health. Individuals with diabetes may face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels when dealing with gum disease. Studies have revealed a link between gum inflammation and inflammation in other areas of the body, which can be incredibly painful for those who suffer from chronic health conditions.

The Benefits of Prioritising Positive Dental Health:

So, what’s the down low on how positive dental health impacts your life?  It’s not just about having a sparkling white grin; maintaining good dental health leads to better sleep, greater mental health and reduced risks of long-term gum diseases.

 You’ll Sleep Better:

Sleep apnea and other sleep conditions can actually mess up your oral hygiene. Imagine dealing with pain from receding gum lines or tooth decay, all while trying to get a good night’s sleep.

But hey, here’s the good news: regular visits to your dentist can catch these issues early and get them sorted out. Dentists have cool gadgets and access to orthodontics treatments like mandibular repositioning devices that can improve airflow and reduce snoring so you can sleep better.

 You’ll Feel More Energetic:

There’s a link between good dental health and physical well-being. Taking care of your teeth promotes healthier lifestyle habits that can have a knock-on effect. By investing in your dental care and overall well-being, you’ll feel more energised, confident and motivated to take on the day!

 Improved Mental Health:

Maintaining positive dental health directly contributes to improved mental health. A healthy mouth leads to a confident smile, enhancing self-esteem and reducing anxiety related to oral issues. Dental conditions like tooth decay and periodontitis can lead to chronic pain, which is often linked to depression.

Thankfully, platforms like BuzzRx make prioritising dental health easy and affordable. They offer significant discounts on essential medications, relieving the financial burden and stress often associated with maintaining good oral hygiene.

Reduced Risk of Long-Term Gum Disease:

Regular dental check-ups and positive dental health and maintenance go a long way in reducing your risks of long-term dental diseases. Receding gums and tooth decay have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s.

So, while a simple dental check-up may seem like an inconvenience, it’s actually a proactive step in protecting your overall health.

Maintaining positive dental health has far-reaching impacts, going beyond a radiant smile. Regular dental care not only enhances your sleep quality and physical vitality but also bolsters mental health and mitigates the risk of long-term gum diseases.

Let’s see if we can answer some questions for you 

Is Dental Health Free in Australia?

Some dental health services are subsidised by Medicare. We’ve got an in-depth guide on some of the free dental health services you can access in Australia, where we dive into the different services you may be eligible to claim back and how to do so!

Medicare gaps are available for a wide range of services. We offer a wealth of subsidised and low-cost dental services, including affordable teeth extractions, wisdom teeth removals and more.

Is Dental Care Expensive in Australia?

Compared with many other countries, dental care in Australia is quite affordable. Payment plans are often available for services, and there are many government subsidies on offer. Use our handy dental cost calculator to estimate the cost of your dental package.

By Avani MAlhotra

Created at December 15, 2023, Updated at December 15, 2023