Looking after your teeth is something we were taught as small children. We learnt from an early age to brush our teeth. We know that sugar and acidic food can be damaging. We know about the evils of plaque. We all want healthy teeth, but why is it so important?
Generations before us accepted that they would lose their teeth by 25, but now, the norm is for most adults to work towards maintaining oral health and their own teeth for their lifetime. (Although there are much more advanced teeth implants and dentures available now if original teeth fail.)
‘Dental health is about much more than having a nice smile. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, infections or inflammation can affect how you eat, speak, sleep, smile and feel day to day.’ That is the key message that Dr Andrew Firgaira, founder of Oasis Dental Studio, wants to share.
‘Good oral health helps you keep your natural teeth for longer, prevents pain and infection, and can also support your overall wellbeing. Poor oral health has been associated with conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and regular dental check-ups help reduce the chance of problems progressing unnoticed,’ said Dr Firgaira.
She added: ‘ At Oasis, we see dental care as part of whole-person health. A healthy mouth supports confidence, comfort, nutrition and quality of life.’
Dr Marcus O’Meara from O’Meara Dental agrees and adds an extra dimension to maintaining overall wellbeing. Without teeth you can’t eat! Oral health is one of the drivers of human longevity. People lost their teeth and then died shortly after. ‘Teeth are crucial for good nutrition,’ says Dr O’Meara, ‘allowing you to chew your food properly to absorb all the goodies from it!’
So how often should we be going to the dentist?
‘The general consensus is every six months,’ says Marcus, who admits: ‘The six-month recall was an American marketeer’s brainchild, but it turns out to be a good frequency for most of the population.’
It’s another point that both dentists agree on, with Andrew adding: ‘Some patients need to come more regularly, especially if they have gum disease, a history of decay, diabetes, dry mouth, orthodontic appliances, implants, or other risk factors. Your dentist can recommend a schedule based on your oral health, lifestyle and medical history.
‘The Australian Dental Association notes that for most people, regular dental checks are usually every 6 or 12 months, depending on professional advice,’ he said.
There are many medical conditions that can influence oral health. Diabetes is one of the most important examples. ‘People with diabetes can be more prone to gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, oral thrush, delayed healing and changes in taste.
‘Diabetes Australia identifies periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, as one of the most recognised oral complications of diabetes, said Dr O’Meara.
‘Other health issues and factors that may affect dental health include heart disease, stroke risk, pregnancy, immune conditions, reflux, eating disorders, stress, sleep apnoea, smoking or vaping, and some medications. Certain medications can reduce saliva, and saliva is one of the mouth’s natural defences against decay and infection.
‘That is why we always encourage patients to share their medical history with us. It helps us provide safer, more personalised care.’
Marcus reinforced the importance of oral health in maintaining overall vitality and avoiding more serious conditions. ‘There are many studies linking infections and inflammations in the mouth to heart disease, stroke and more recently dementia.’ he said. ‘Your mouth can be an early indicator of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS. Imbalances in your occlusion (bite) left uncorrected can lead to physical imbalances, headaches/migraines and neuromuscular problems in the rest of your body.’
While many people are aware of the importance of regular dental care, very often dentists are dealing with dental emergencies –conditions that started off relatively simple, but without treatment and intervention progress into more serious and more expensive dental work.
‘There are a few common reasons for this,’ says Andrew, ‘fear, cost, embarrassment, busy schedules, past negative experiences, or the belief that “it will go away.” Dental problems can also be sneaky. A small cavity or gum issue may not hurt at first, so it is easy to delay care until pain, swelling or infection appears.’
‘We also understand that dental anxiety is very real. At Oasis, we support nervous patients with gentle, compassionate care and options such as sleep dentistry to help make treatment feel calmer and more manageable. This can be especially helpful for patients who have avoided the dentist due to fear, need more complex treatment, or simply want extra support to feel relaxed during their visit.’
Marcus believes ‘dental anxiety is often inherited and like all phobias, it is an irrational fear. Dental procedures have improved over the years and should be pain free. A good rapport with your dentist and clear communication builds trust and helps resolve preexisting fears.’
For those who have lost their teeth, or are in need of dentures, new tech is assisting more accurate and comfortable fitting prosthesis.
Jasmin Freak from Bromley Denture Clinic said, ‘We create digital dentures, we are stepping away from analogue approach and now instead of taking impressions, we do an intra oral scan and print a 3D denture. The patient tries it on, then we mill it out of two little blocks.
‘It’s definitely a skill and the way we make our dentures now is a lot more precise. It takes between 2-6 weeks.
‘If you are needing dentures, it’s recommended you see your dentist first.’
And the take home message from our dentists?
‘The basics still matter most. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss or clean between the teeth daily, limit frequent sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and attend regular dental check-ups’ says Andrew.
‘Best practice also includes not ignoring symptoms. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, persistent bad breath, toothache, swelling, cracked teeth, jaw pain or changes in your bite are all worth checking early.’
Prevention is key!
Mandy Nolan
