The benefits of good dental health and hygiene extend far beyond aesthetically pleasing, healthy teeth. The ripple effects go on to affect many areas of general wellbeing, with dental problems such as gum disease linked to further health issues later such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
In addition, problems with your teeth such as decay, tooth wear or tooth loss can become costly issues that are exacerbated as we age.
These are just some of the reasons there is such a strong focus on preventative dentistry, and in many ways, orthodontics sits neatly within this field.
As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than any cure’, so here’s an insight into the role of orthodontics in preventative dentistry.
What is preventative dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the practice of eliminating potential dental problems before they arise. It’s often a partnership between a patient and a dentist that focuses on good dental health through regular brushing, cleaning and checkups, along with a healthy diet.
It’s also about identifying and treating minor problems before they become major issues, which is why it’s critical to see a dentist once a year.
These regular checkups ensure things like plaque is removed before it leads to decay, problems like enamel weakness are dealt with before it impacts the teeth, the potential for or impacts of gum disease are mitigated, or decay is found and removed before it leads to tooth loss.
Orthodontics also plays a role in preventative dentistry because straight, aligned teeth help mitigate many of these problems before they arise. Here’s how…
The role of orthodontics in preventative dentistry
When people consider visiting an orthodontist, their focus is often on achieving straight, aesthetically pleasing teeth that give them greater confidence about their smile.
While these are undeniable benefits of the orthodontic process, there’s also a dental health focus which comes with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is one-part teeth straightening and another part aligning the bite. Together, this process ensures:
- Teeth can be easily accessed for cleaning
- Teeth are properly aligned and less prone to trauma
- Teeth meet at the correct angle, reducing wear and tear that can lead to tooth loss
- The jaws are properly aligned to reduce the likelihood of temporomandibular joint pain
- The teeth and bite function properly, reducing the likelihood of speech impediments, sleep apnoea, and teeth grinding (bruxism)
Ultimately, the process of straightening teeth and aligning the bite offers benefits that can last a lifetime.
Australian’s dental health record
As advanced as Australia is, unfortunately it doesn’t have the best bill of health when it comes to our overall dental wellbeing.
This year, the government’s Oral Health and Dental Care study found Australians aged 15 and over have on average 12.8 missing and decayed teeth, and the impacts extend far beyond fillings to affect their general health and wellbeing.
They noted:
- Five to 10-year-olds have on average 1.5 decayed, missing or filled teeth
- Six to 14-year-olds have on average 0.5 decayed, missing or filled teeth
- 15 to 34-year-olds have on average 4.5 decayed, missing or filled teeth
- 35 to 54-yearolds have on average 14.4 decayed, missing or filled teeth
- 55 to 74-year-olds have on average 22.2 decayed, missing or filled teeth
- People aged 75 and over have on average 24.3 decayed, missing or filled teeth.
These results are largely due to a lack of diligence when it comes to utilising preventative dentistry and practising simple dental hygiene.
For example, the report found in 2014–15, only half of all Australians had seen a dentist or dental professional in the last 12 months, while about 7 in 10 children aged 5–14 brush their teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day.
As a result, in 2016–17, about 70,200 hospitalisations for dental conditions could have been prevented with earlier treatment.
The link between dental and general health
There has long been an understanding that good oral health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, and the Oral Care and Dental Health study states this in no uncertain terms.
They note, without good dental health, “…a person’s general quality of life and the ability to eat, speak and socialise is compromised, resulting in pain, discomfort and embarrassment”.
“Oral health refers to the condition of a person’s teeth and gums, as well as the health of the muscles and bones in their mouth.
“Poor oral health—mainly tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss—affects many Australian children and adults, and contributed 4.4 per cent of all the burden that non-fatal burden diseases placed on the community in 2011. Oral health generally deteriorates over a person’s lifetime.”
The benefits of orthodontics
Orthodontics plays an essential role in positioning the teeth and establishing good oral care that will last a lifetime.
It results in:
Better oral hygiene
When teeth are in their rightful position they can be more readily accessed for daily cleaning like brushing and flossing, and that’s the key for warding off bacteria, plaque and their effects, which lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
An improved bite
Teeth are a major element in a host of daily functions like food digestion, speech and even facial formation.
To do this, teeth need to meet at the right angle, at the right time under the right circumstances, and orthodontics is all about ensuring that’s the case.
Even naturally straight teeth may actually be out of alignment. And if that’s happening there’s the potential for problems down the track.
When teeth meet incorrectly, they may grind and wear. This in turn leads to chipping, cracking and increased cavities. It can also contribute to other problems like speech defects, breathing issues and sleep interruption or sleep apnoea.
Minimising other health issues
The mouth is the gateway to the body and as such, good oral hygiene is linked to general health and wellbeing. A host of diseases are thought to stem from oral health problems, with gum disease and dental cavities often the precursor for health issues like cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, ongoing problems like sleep apnoea can contribute to depression, cardiovascular disease and more, so there’s no underestimating the importance of straight, properly aligned teeth.
About Norwest
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in helping you achieve a great smile, no matter your age. We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
We also have a suite of treatments available that includes Invisalign and we welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the smile that you’ve always dreamed of.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us here to make an appointment.
