Good oral health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body — oral health and general health are closely connected, and problems in one area can sometimes affect the other.

Poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria and inflammation to build up in the mouth, increasing the risk of conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease, in particular, is a chronic inflammatory condition that has been associated with a number of wider health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The relationship is complex, and having gum disease does not necessarily mean that it causes these conditions, but maintaining good oral health is an important part of looking after your overall wellbeing.

Oral health can also be particularly important for people living with certain medical conditions. For example, diabetes and gum disease can influence each other, with poorly controlled diabetes increasing the risk of gum disease and severe gum disease potentially making blood glucose control more difficult.

Your mouth can also provide important clues about your general health. Changes such as persistent mouth ulcers, unusual swelling, dry mouth, oral infections or changes to the gums should not be ignored and may require assessment by a dental professional.

Looking After Your Mouth and Your Body
Maintaining good oral health involves more than simply brushing your teeth. We recommend:

* Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, where appropriate.
* Cleaning between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or dental floss.
* Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting the frequency of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
* Avoiding smoking and other tobacco products. If you smoke and wish to quit smoking, we can refer you to a free professional service that are specially trained to support you, while many patients find it very useful.
* Keeping alcohol consumption within recommended limits.
* Attending regular dental examinations and professional hygiene appointments.

Taking care of your mouth is an important part of taking care of your whole body.

Good oral hygiene, regular dental care and a healthy lifestyle can help protect your teeth and gums while supporting your overall health and quality of life.