Oral hygiene is an important component of your overall dental health. Simply put, it involves the process of keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums clean to prevent dental ailments such as cavities, gingivitis, periodontal and halitosis disease. But that’s not all it does. Ongoing studies suggest that it also helps to prevent medical problems that are directly or indirectly linked to your oral cavity. Researchers have linked oral health problems to a host of major health problems including Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we take a holistic approach in looking after your oral hygiene needs. As part of our active oral maintenance program, we want to partner you in your fight against tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. Our Oral Hygiene program caters to patients of all ages.
Utilising ultrasonic and rotary instruments to clean, polish and remove stains, our experienced dentists and dental hygienists employ minimally invasive techniques to ensure that you undergo a thorough cleaning routine in a comfortable environment.
As part of our patient education on oral hygiene, we also utilise teaching aids like teeth models to show how you can better clean your teeth with maximum efficiency and results. You are also encouraged to share with us any dental concerns that you may have so that we can work together to improve your oral health and dental wellbeing for the long haul.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is the most effective way of reducing dental problems down the road.
Oral Hygiene and Implications for General Health
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can have a direct impact on your overall health. Below are examples of a growing number of research that suggest the far reaching medical implications of oral hygiene on the rest of your body.
Heart disease
Studies have suggested a link between gum disease and tooth loss with cardiovascular diseases as well as an increased prevalence of heart attack. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, the studies found, they can interrupt the blood flowing to the heart and cause a heart attack.
Tooth loss patients with fewer than 10 of their natural teeth remaining are also found to be at higher risk of dying from coronary disease than someone with more than 25 remaining natural teeth.
Other studies suggest that a number of systemic diseases, including heart disease, have oral symptoms.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to properly process glucose which can have a far-reaching impact on overall health. Researchers have identified a link between diabetics and gum disease, whereby the presence of periodontal disease, may increase blood sugar and make it difficult for diabetics to control their blood glucose levels.
Pancreatic Cancer
According to a Harvard-based research, men with a history of periodontal disease carried a far greater risk (64%) of developing pancreatic cancer as compared with those with no prior history of the disease.
Pregnancy
Many women are unaware that pregnancy-related hormonal changes can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease. Paying attention to proper oral hygiene is therefore critical during pregnancy and may also be beneficial to the health of the baby.
Proper oral hygiene can help you lower the risk of a variety of dental – and even potentially life-threatening medical conditions.
To find out how we can improve your Oral Hygiene though our active maintenance program, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
Explore more Treatments
Let’s help you get to the right place, these Molonglo services are closely connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the majority of patients, visiting the dentist every six months would be sufficient for maintaining optimal oral health. However, some patients may belong to a high-risk category of dental ailments, such as those with gum disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. For these patients, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits per year – typically every three to four months. These regular check-ups help catch problematic issues early and keep your teeth and gums in top shape.
Yes. A wealth of scientific research shows that electric toothbrushes regularly outperform their manual counterparts, on average, removing up to 21% more plaque. Dentists recommend the oscillating-rotating models, in particular, as they are highly effective at dislodging stubborn debris while minimising the risk of gingivitis. Overall, the electric toothbrush makes it easier to achieve a thorough clean, especially for those with limited dexterity.
Absolutely. Once again, research consistently shows that flossing is able to reach the 40% of tooth surfaces that your toothbrush simply cannot. As such, non-flossers neglect a significant portion of their teeth cleaning, and leave behind large cumulative amounts of plaque and bacteria as a result. Over time, this can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. This makes flossing an absolutely integral part of your daily dental health routine.
While it is true that poor oral hygiene doesn’t directly cause cancer, you cannot disregard the strong link between chronic gum disease and increased inflammation throughout the body. In fact, there this systemic inflammation has been associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancers, including oral and pancreatic cancers. Active oral care maintenance – which includes routine brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental visits – is not only a great form of prevention against dental ailments, while contributing significantly towards your long-term health.
A comprehensive hygiene visit typically includes: Full dental examination; X-rays (only if necessary); thorough scale and polish to remove tartar and stains; gum health assessment, oral cancer screening; and tailored consultation to improve your at-home care. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we take a holistic approach to keeping your smile healthy.
In Canberra, a professional dental clean and check-up session costs between $190 and $250. We provide bulk-billing for children eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). We accept most private health funds and will assist to check your policy for rebates and other details during your visit.
Yes. Bacteria from untreated gum disease or tonsil stones can irritate your throat, leading to discomfort. If you frequently wake up with a sore throat despite no signs of illness, it’s worth assessing your oral hygiene routine and scheduling a dental check-up.
At Molonglo Dental, our oral hygienists combine a wealth of experience, thorough skillsets with a gentle and friendly approach. We believe that oral care and wellness education is just as important as your dental treatment. That is why we make every effort to teach you proper at-home oral care routines and proper techniques – and answer any oral healthcare question that you may have. A dental visit should never be viewed as a chore but a step towards lifelong oral health.