Good oral health – an investment in your overall well-being

Poor dental health increases the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can cause an infection and affect certain areas of the heart. Gum disease (periodontitis), which affects an estimated 10% of the global population, is associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases.

In fact, poor oral health can contribute to endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves as well as cardiovascular disease.

The body’s natural defences, along with good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, work to keep bacteria under control. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Gum disease in pregnant women has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Certain bacteria in your mouth can also be drawn into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. The bottom line is that your oral health is more important than many of us realise.

This World Oral Health Day (WOHD), which was commemorated on March 20, the South African Dental Association (SADA) wanted to reiterate the importance of good oral health. An unhealthy mouth can severely impact your quality of life by affecting not only your physical well-being but also your emotional, social and mental health.

Poor oral health can negatively affect a person’s self-image and emotional well-being. This includes feeling embarrassed about their teeth and mouth, which can lead to missing school or work and result in social withdrawal and isolation.

Over 90% of the world’s population will suffer from some form of dental disease in their lifetime.

The good news is that most oral health conditions are preventable and can be treated to avoid further progression.

This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use can also help good dental hygiene. WOHD is celebrated annually to spread educational messages about good oral hygiene practices and how to prevent and control oral disease. WOHD champions the prevention and early detection of oral health issues and aims to raise the profile of oral health on a global scale. Educating people about the link between oral health and systemic health has also become a priority.

Unfortunately, widespread disparities do exist when it comes to the access and uptake of oral health services in South Africa and globally. SADA supports awareness initiatives and runs programmes at an outreach level primarily to schoolchildren to educate our youth about the importance of good oral hygiene. In most local community health centres (CHC), members of communities can access oral health services by visiting these CHCs to get their oral health issues treated in time.

These are free services that are offered by the Department of Health.

Be Proud of Your Mouth is the theme of WOHD 2022 for the second year, and SADA is calling on all South Africans to look after their oral health for their well-being.

For more information or to find a dentist in your area, go to https://www.sada.co.za/
Posters, key message cards and photo frames for use during this campaign are available at https://www.sada.co.za/news-oral-health-day
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/heart-disease-prevention/faq-20057986
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
4. https://www.gov.za/speeches/world-oral-health-day-2018-30-nov-2017-1100
5. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth

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