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It’s almost time for Dental Health Week 2023, the annual highlight of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) geared towards promoting oral health in Australia.
Every year, the ADA collaborates with regional branches, like the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB), to amplify the campaign’s reach. Together, they strive to foster greater oral health awareness across the beautiful state of Victoria and beyond.
So what is Dental Health Week? When is it? Let’s take a closer look and find out some things that you can do to get involved this year.
When is Dental Health Week 2023?
Dental Health Week always runs the first full week of August, and so will run from the 7th to the 13th of August 2023. So mark it in your calendars, and let’s celebrate the benefits of great oral health together!
What is Dental Health Week?
Dental Health Week is an annual event organised by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) aimed at promoting oral health awareness in the Australian community.
The event revolves around a specific theme each year that underscores the importance of maintaining good oral health practices. Various oral health messages and key themes are presented to reinforce the value of keeping good oral hygiene habits to preserve your teeth for life.
These messages include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Cleaning between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting the intake of added sugars.
- Regularly visiting the dentist for check-ups and preventive care.
The campaign utilises various resources, activities, and initiatives to engage with the public, dental professionals, and the broader health community. The objective is to foster a dialogue about the importance of oral health and motivate people to prioritise their oral hygiene habits for long-lasting dental health.
So, what is the specific theme of Dental Health Week this year?
The theme for Dental Health Week 2023
The theme for Dental Health Week 2023 is ‘Keep your smile for life‘, with a focus on the links between oral diseases and other bodily diseases, specifically focusing on:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Heart diseases
- Gut issues
- Lung conditions
- Alzheimer’s disease
A striking example of this is the robust link between severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, and conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition characterised by swollen, bleeding gums, and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. However, the implications of periodontitis extend beyond the oral cavity. Recent research suggests that this severe form of gum disease may be a silent contributing factor to some systemic diseases, most notably heart disease and diabetes.
The primary culprit behind this connection is bacteria. When severe gum disease develops, harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream. These bacteria can then contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can obstruct blood flow, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is a crucial part of protecting your cardiovascular health.
The interplay between severe gum disease and diabetes is particularly significant. In fact, periodontitis is now considered the 6th complication associated with diabetes. This relationship is somewhat of a vicious cycle – not only does diabetes increase the risk of developing gum disease, but severe gum disease can also make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, further exacerbating diabetes.
Such a strong correlation underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups and rigorous oral hygiene practices, especially for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of heart disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups can help keep gum disease at bay, potentially mitigating the risk of these linked systemic conditions. Check out our blog on how oral health can affect general health to find out more.
Join The House Of Mouth this Dental Health Week!
This week, we’re celebrating all things dental health. We’ve put together a list of activities that you can take part in for Dental Health Week for you and the kids to enjoy.
So make sure your oral health is at the top of your priority list this Dental Health Week and join us as we learn everything we can about just how important your oral health is for your overall health.
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