Oral health and general health
Oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing at all stages of your life. Keeping a healthy smile is also an important part of social and emotional health.
Poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stroke and respiratory conditions. The main diseases that affect oral health are tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers. These conditions are largely preventable.
The key steps to a healthy smile are:
- practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- eating and drinking healthy foods low in sugar
- having regular dental check-ups
- if you smoke, quit to improve your oral health and general health.
You may be eligible to access free dental care through a Queensland Health oral health clinic.
Top tips for good oral health
Good oral health is more than being free of pain—it’s important for general health and wellbeing and feeling confident. You can help prevent dental problems by following these tips to take care of your oral health.
Brush twice a day
To protect your teeth against tooth decay and gum disease, it’s recommended you:
- brush your teeth twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- avoid using a medium or hard toothbrush as they damage teeth and gums
- spit instead of rinsing after brushing to avoid washing away the protective benefit of fluoride.
Read more about brushing and flossing.
Choose healthy foods and drinks that are low in sugar
Eating a variety of foods and avoiding foods high in sugar improve general health and oral health. To prevent tooth decay, try to:
- avoid snacking on sweet or processed foods
- avoid drinks that contain added sugars, including soft drinks, cordials, juice, sports or energy drinks.
Learn more about choosing low sugar foods and drinks and visit the Healthier.Happier website for recipe ideas that are good for teeth and general health.
Drink plenty of tap water
Make tap water your drink of choice.
Tap water that contains fluoride protects teeth against decay. To find out if your community has water fluoridation, ask your local council or dental practitioner. If you live in an area without fluoridated water, speak to your local dental practitioner about other ways you can protect your teeth against decay.
Learn more about fluoride.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, as well as causing stained teeth and bad breath. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your oral health and general health.
For more information or support, contact Quitline or your doctor.
Make an appointment for a dental check-up
Don't wait until there is a problem—regular dental check-ups are important to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy. Pain, difficulty eating, loose teeth or bleeding gums are all signs of dental disease. Find out if you are eligible for public oral health services.
Protect your teeth
Accidents involving teeth and oral tissue are very common, a considerable number of these injuries occur during contact sport. A mouthguard can minimise injuries to teeth, jaws and surrounding tissue.
Custom-made mouthguards are recommended over ‘over-the-counter’ mouthguards as they fit the mouth more accurately, speak to your dentist about a custom mouth guard.