Your mouth, your life

Oral health is more than simply having a disease-free mouth, although that’s important. The health of your mouth affects your sense of wellbeing and your appearance. Good oral health lets you take part in life without discomfort or embarrassment.

The health of your mouth can be a sign of your body’s health. Mouth problems are not just cavities, toothaches, and crooked or stained teeth. Many diseases-such as diabetes, cancer, and some eating disorders- and some medications that are used in treating mental illness can cause oral health problems. Cavities and gum disease can be painful and lead to serious infections.

The impact of oral disease

Aesthetics

Self Esteem

Pain

Anxiety

Functional limitation

Cost ofTreatment

Time attending services

Sleepless nights

Source: Modified from Department of Human Services (1999)

Medications can affect your oral health

Many medications including vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations can have a negative effect on your oral health. Almost half the number of people taking medication for diagnosed mental health conditions takes at least one type of medicine that affects oral health.

Common side effects from medications that may happen include:

Altering of taste   

Some medications can cause a bitter or metallic taste or affect the ability to taste.

Having enlarged gum tissue

Overgrown or enlarged gum tissue is known as “gingival overgrowth”. It is sometimes associated with anti-seizure medications.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth is a potential side effect of numerous medications. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.

Greater risk for tooth decay

Sugar is frequently part of liquid medications, cough drops, vitamins, antacid tablets and anti-fungal agents. People who receive long-term medications may be at greater risk of developing tooth decay when they are using sweetened medications.

Poor oral health affects your whole life

Oral health affects general health by causing considerable pain and suffering and by changing what people eat, their speech and their quality of life and well-being.

Overall health

Having good oral health is very important to having good general health. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of health problems that can affect your overall well being. As gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can enter the bloodstream and may cause other health complications such as:

• Heart disease

People with gum disease may be more at risk for heart disease and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.

• Stroke

One study found a casual relationship of oral infections as a risk factor for stroke.

• Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in otherwise healthy people

• Respiratory problems

Bacteria that grow in the mouth can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.

Self esteem and confidence

Having good teeth and a healthy mouth generally means you will be willing to smile and talk to people. Since that is a big part of how we all interact with each other, the state of your oral health can have a direct bearing on your self-esteem. Take care of your oral health and you will be less likely to be embarrassed about the state of your mouth when you need to deal with people socially, at work or on everyday business. Behaviour that looks after your oral health can also boost your confidence.

References:

Jordan, R., Abrams, L., & Kraus, B. (1992). Kraus’ dental anatomy and occlusion. St Louis: Mosby Elsevier Health Science.

 

Woelfel, J., & Scheid, R. (2002). Dental anatomy: its relevance to dentistry (6th ed.). Pennsylvania Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

ADA. (2009). Your Oral Health.   Retrieved 10/4/2009, from www.ada.org.au/oralhealth

Colgate Palmolive Company. (2009). Colgate World of Care.   Retrieved 10/4/2009, from http://www.colgate.com.au/app/Colgate/AU/HomePage.cvsp

National Advisory Committee on Oral Health. (2004). Healthy Mouths Healthy Lives. Australia’s National Oral Health Plan 2004 – 2013. Adelaide: National Advisory Committee on Oral Health.