Did you know that bacteria responsible for gum disease have been shown to be connected to Alzheimer’s? Or that a common oral bacterium has been linked to a 59 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer according to a Harvard study? If the answer is no, you’re not alone! But increasingly, research is revealing to us the connection between our oral health and overall health. We sat down with DR JOSH X LIU from Expat Dental to find out how oral care can have a lasting impact on body and mind.
The intricate link between oral health and overall health
“Your mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and serves as a gateway to the rest of your body through the digestive system and bloodstream via the gums,” says Dr Liu. “That’s especially true if you have gum disease like periodontitis.”
Certainly, if you think bacteria in the mouth stay in the mouth – think again! Recent research has been shining a light on the connection between dental health and health issues like heart disease, respiratory ailments (like pneumonia), diabetes, Alzheimer’s or dementia and pregnancy-related complications. Gum disease has also been proven to lead to poor health, heart attacks, strokes and plaque build-up in arteries. That’s not all. Tooth and gum pain can even trigger the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream.
Case in point? In 2012, Dr Liu’s father underwent a heart valve replacement procedure which required a dental clearance from Dr Liu himself. This was done because oral bacteria can potentially travel to other parts of the body, leading to infections like endocarditis in the heart.
Women, pregnancy and oral health
Dr Liu cautions women to pay extra attention to their oral health, especially if they are planning to get pregnant. “Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis review, have discovered that addressing gum disease during pregnancy can contribute to an increase in the baby’s birth weight and reduce the risk of pre-term birth and foetal death.”
According to Dr Liu, soon-to-be-mums would benefit from scheduling a dental care appointment during their second trimester, the best time during pregnancy to do so. However, emergency dental care to treat pain or infection – especially to prevent the latter from crossing into the placenta – is still safe and necessary.
It’s not just about physical health either!
The physical aspects of dental health – clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath – often take precedence when we think about dental care. However, the impact of dental health extends far beyond our physical wellbeing. Dental health has been shown to play a significant role in our confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental health. Just imagine the frustration of being unable to chew on a specific tooth, enduring chronic pain from infections, and constantly worrying about having bad breath or food getting stuck when eating out. That can certainly lead to psychological distress, and perhaps even trigger social anxiety and depression.
On the other hand, prioritising your dental health can have a transformative effect on your mental wellbeing. Good news: aside from treating dental diseases, clean gums and straight healthy teeth are also possible through cosmetic dentistry. According to Dr Liu, cosmetic dentistry can notably enhance one’s confidence and self-esteem. At Expat Dental, you’ll find a dedicated Smile Transformation Team – a unique feature in Singapore – to help patients achieve their dental goals.
Improving education and mitigating anxiety around oral health
We don’t know what we don’t know, and this extends to our oral health. That’s why education is at the forefront of what Expat Dental provides. “We want you to leave the Expat Dental clinic knowing more about how to take care of your oral health than when you arrived.” In fact, appointments at Expat Dental often take up to an hour (as opposed to the typical 20 minutes). By explaining things, using aids and encouraging patients to ask questions, Dr Liu and his team are able to work together with patients and roadmap their paths to oral health.
We can’t ignore the anxiety factor. “Let’s be honest: no one likes to go to the dentist. However, a dental visit doesn’t have to be a negative experience. More often than not, our patients leave with a positive impression.” Expat Dental strives for a gentler approach; that extends to offering the likes of TV, pillows, nitrous and other sedation options to put patients at ease.
Prevention is better than cure
We often think that going to the dentist will cost us a fortune. But that is just a fraction of the price of treatment. Take, for example, the minuscule cost of fillings when compared to dental implants. “The first and foremost way to save on costs is by preventative dental care,” Dr Liu states.
If you have dental insurance, the team at Expat Dental can work directly with your insurers to provide any documents or diagnoses to make the process as seamless as possible. Personally, Dr Liu also hopes that one day, dental care will be more widely covered by health insurance given the research that supports the impact dental care has on one’s overall health.
“When it comes to insurance, the biggest thing I say to my friends and patients is that employer insurance will help, but it rarely covers everything. When considering private insurance, take note of the yearly limits, waiting times and whether they have a provider list. Sometimes, it’s better to save a monthly budget for dental care,” he suggests. “Remember, again, preventative dental care is not expensive – but treatment can be.”
Expat Dental – Novena Medical Center Clinic
#08-15/16 Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive
6397 6318 | expatdental.com | info@expatdental.com
Expat Dental – Raffles Place Clinic
#01-00 Malacca Centre, 20 Malacca Street
6816 5742 | expatdental.com | info@expatdental.com
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