General Wellbeing

A healthy smile is a true gift. Our aim is to bring your mouth to is ultimate healthy state & maintain this condition for the rest of your life.

Your mouth is a mirror of your general health and well being. Over recent years, research has shown numerous links between dental health and one’s overall physical well being. Dentistry today is much more then just repairing teeth – a person’s quality of life is greatly affected by the health of their mouth. Your teeth, gums and mouth may show signs to many health conditions you may or may not be aware of, including oral cancer, heart conditions, diabetes, stress, drug or alcohol use and much more.

The consequences of poor oral health can affect your general well being and may lead to serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and increased risk of stoke as well as tooth loss which may impact one’s quality of life, reducing eating function and comfort. A healthy smile is a true gift.

As one of the leading dental practices in Brisbane, Queensland, our emphasis is on you. It is very important that you provide your dentist with a thorough health history and inform him with updates whenever you have a change in health status or medications. During your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth for any changes or developments. We listen to your concerns and provide you with a full range of multiple treatment options. Your individual treatment plan will take into consideration your overall health and well-being as well as your desires and schedule. Our aim is to bring your mouth to its ultimate healthy state and maintain this condition for the rest of your life.

In the past, women were advised not to go their dentist for any form of treatment during pregnancy. Research has found that pregnant women with poor oral health (and who are more prone to periodontal disease) have a higher risk of going into premature labour or having babies with lower birth weights. Furthermore, decay rates of children are higher when the mothers’ oral health is not ideal. Most experts agree that a comprehensive oral examination, professional teeth cleaning and radiography, if absolutely needed for diagnosis or treatment (especially since the introduction of digital radiography) are safe for women during the last two trimesters of pregnancy. Most practices (including Close Dental) choose not to perform any form of radiography on women during pregnancy, due to the fear this may cause the mother-to-be. Our dentists and hygienists, together with the Preventive Care program introduced into our practice many years ago, reinforces the importance of good oral health for all patients, especially women who are pregnant or contemplating motherhood. Dental Health Tips for Pregnancy as suggested by the ADA

• Tell your dentist you are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy as your condition may affect the type of care necessary for you
• Sometimes, hormonal changes can contribute to inflammation of the gums if your oral hygiene is not ideal. Make an appointment with your dentist and hygienist if your gums are swollen or bleed when you brush your teeth.
• Familiarise yourself with the dental care your dentist advises for your new baby. Ask your dentist for advice.
• Smoking during pregnancy can lead to health problems for the baby and gum disease.
• Keep up regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss daily.
• Watch your diet and avoid sweet (between-meal) snacks as they lead to acid attack which causes tooth decay.

Hand-in-Mouth

Diabetes and periodontal disease often appear together. Uncontrolled diabetes can make periodontal disease worse. Untreated periodontal disease can make it difficult to control a diabetic’s blood sugar.

Now, for the first time, a study from Columbia University School of Public Health has shown that moderate to severe periodontal disease increases the risk of diabetes later in life. Experts say that diabetics are more likely to get periodontal disease. People with diabetes are more prone to infections.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. Medical experts see periodontal disease as a complication of diabetes. This study shows that in some cases, periodontal disease may be a risk factor for diabetes.