01 APR 2023 BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE 6 MINS READ 330 VIEWS

Why Your Dentist Knows More About Your Health Than You Think


Dental health is key to our overall health

The next time you are reclining in your dentist’s chair, you should know that when you open your mouth wide, your dentist is looking at more than just your teeth – and you should be grateful.

Dentists can tell a lot about your overall health when they examine your mouth during a regular dental exam because your oral health is the gateway to your overall health.

To a trained dental professional, issues such as gingivitis, bad breath, eroding enamel, infections or bleeding gums can be signs of bigger problems that might not have anything to do with your mouth.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), early indicators of diabetes, heart disease or other serious conditions can show up in your mouth before any other symptoms might reveal themselves.


Dental warning signs: cavities, bleeding gums

Many people don’t realise that a cavity in your tooth is actually an infectious disease. Left untreated, this infection caused by tooth decay can spread in your mouth, thus creating gum disease.


Studies show that people who have gum disease can be at higher risk for serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems and even dementia1-3. Alarmingly, data from the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2010 indicate that 94% of Malaysian adults have gum disease4.

So, if your dentist notices chronic gum disease, also called periodontal disease, he or she might talk to you about the other health problems that you might have. They might also suggest that you see your regular physician for a check-up.

Follow a daily oral hygiene routine

Citing the potential link between gum disease and other health problems, the ADA recommends focusing on preventative dental care as a step towards maintaining overall health. And the easiest way to do that is by adopting a simple, daily oral hygiene routine:


Step 1: Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Dentists recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles although some may prefer a toothbrush with medium bristles (just be sure to brush gently). The GLISTER Multi-Action Toothbrush comes with both Soft and Medium Bristle options.


Pick a good toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities and remove plaque, such as the GLISTER Multi-Action Toothpaste. It also helps whiten your teeth by removing stains!

Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and brush in a circular motion for at least 2 minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth, gums and tongue.


Step 2: Floss at least once a day – twice is better!

Flossing is a vital part of your oral care routine to promote healthy gums and enhance overall oral health. Experts recommend flossing at least once a day after brushing to clean spaces where brushing can’t reach, but it’s a good idea to keep floss handy to use whenever you feel it’s necessary.

Use a dental floss that slips easily in between your teeth, such as one with a waxed, flat ribbon design like the GLISTER Multi-Action Dental Floss. Using your thumbs and fingers, gently work the floss between each tooth to just below the gum line. Slide the floss against the surface of each tooth and don’t forget the back of the last tooth on both sides, top and bottom.


Step 3: Rinse with mouthwash

Regular use of an oral rinse or mouthwash like the GLISTER Multi-Action Oral Rinse helps remove plaque that brushing may miss. It can also eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath and help clean between teeth. Use the recommended amount and rinse all areas of your mouth vigorously for 30 seconds.

Other dental health tips

Following these three key steps each day will go a long way toward supporting your oral health, but you can also help by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A daily diet that includes colourful fruits and vegetables is not only good for your overall health, it also helps your oral health.


Want that clean and healthy feeling on the go? Don’t forget the GLISTER Mint Refresher Spray and the travel-sized GLISTER Multi-Action Toothpaste so you can refresh your smile anytime, anywhere.

And of course, see your dentist regularly. Those routine visits help keep your mouth healthy and allow your dentist to look for signs of other potential problems. Consider it an investment in yourself!

Want to learn more about the GLISTER range and how its amazing products support your oral health? Visit Amway.my now.

References:

  1. Bhuyan, R.; Bhuyan, S.K.; Mohanty, J.N.; Das, S.; Juliana, N.; Juliana, I.F. Periodontitis and Its Inflammatory Changes Linked to Various Systemic Diseases: A Review of Its Underlying Mechanisms. Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2659. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102659
  2. Dzulqarnain Ahmad Iskandar Shah, Nursabrina Roslan, Khairun ‘Izzah Zamansari, Tuan Nur Athirah Tuan Mohd Rahimi, Mohd Fairuz Ali, Haslina Rani, Tuti Ningseh Mohd-Dom, Shahida Mohd-Said. Oral health knowledge among healthcare professionals and their challenges in dealing with patients’ oral health problems. Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia 18 (2) 2020: 39 – 47.
  3. Nordin NN, Vaithilingam RD, Saub R, Nasir NH, Mohd Asari AS, Bashah B, Mahmud M, Mohammad NM. Awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices on the management of diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis amongst Malaysian primary care practitioners. Malays Fam Physician. 2021 Sep 22;16(3):44-55. doi: 10.51866/oa1131. PMID: 34938392; PMCID: PMC8680934.
  4. https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2021/04/683864/oral-health-matters