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Dental health is not just about having a bright smile; it is vital for overall wellbeing. Yet dental hygiene and health are often overlooked in discussions around medical issues.

Dental disease, including tooth decay and gum disease, has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand. It is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting both children and adults.

According to the 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey, "dental decay is the most prevalent chronic (and irreversible) disease in New Zealand."

Dental hygienist Megan Wilkinson, of FLOSS Oral Hygiene, says dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are completely preventable.

"They do not need to happen," says Wilkinson. "Yet with poor oral hygiene, busy lifestyles, stress, medical issues and sugar, these diseases are still prevalent.

"Largely, these things can be life choices, but often people just need to be given the education. This is where healthcare professionals come in, as it is our duty to educate people to make the right changes for a healthier and longer life."

Dental hygienists are skilled professionals who specialise in preventive dental care. During regular visits, a hygienist will thoroughly clean and examine teeth and gums, remove plaque and tartar, also known as calculus, and provide personalised advice about oral hygiene practices.

Wilkinson says there are three main factors which contribute to dental disease: Oral hygiene regime, diet and lifestyle.

"You might be meticulous with your dental cleaning but have a busy lifestyle and eat more fast-foods, or drink more caffeinated drinks, which can affect your teeth. Or you might have a healthy diet but are very stressed, which leads to inflammation in the body, which can affect the gums. This is where your dental hygienist comes in, to give you that extra helping hand."

Regular visits allow dental hygienists to identify early signs of oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Detecting these issues early can prevent them from escalating into more severe and costly conditions.

"Basically, the more you see dental hygienists, the less you need work from your dentist. That's good for your health and your wallet!"

Wilkinson says many people are unaware of the impact oral health can have on their overall wellbeing. She believes tamariki should be taught, from a young age, about the importance of oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing techniques and the impact of diet on oral health. She emphasises the importance of dental education in the prevention of further health issues.

Wilkinson points to three significant dental diseases which are preventable with proper dental hygiene:

1. Gum disease

"Gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria, and is linked to heart disease, alzheimers, strokes, type II diabetes, low birth weight babies, pneumonia and more," says Wilkinson. "Education by a dental professional will help remove the causative factor, being plaque, before it leads to further issues."

2. Tooth decay

"Tooth decay is caused by sugar and is often sore. Nobody likes to be in pain! It is unhealthy for the mouth and body and can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain when the appearance of the mouth and teeth start to change."

3. Oral Cancer

"Oral cancer is a type of cancer linked to smoking, alcohol and genetics.

"Education by a dental professional can help stop all this disease at the root cause before progressing. Your dental hygienist will show you how to remove plaque effectively, give diet advice on reducing sugar, and is also trained in lifestyle advice, including smoking cessation."

"Regarding oral cancer, we can at the very least detect it in its earliest stages to get the patient quick intervention and increase chances of survival."

FLOSS Oral Hygiene is a newly opened clinic in Burnside, Christchurch. Borne from Wilkinson's passion for preventing dental disease through good oral hygiene practices, her aim is to educate and empower New Zealanders, especially tamariki, to take control of their oral health. Having previously done voluntary work in Uganda and Fiji, Wilkinson has also worked for the British military travelling England, before moving to New Zealand. As well as providing hands-on services in her clinic, she hopes to take her message to schools and universities, spreading the word about the importance of regularly visiting a dental hygienist.

"Being able to use my skill set to help others is such a humbling honour," she says. "I am so appreciative of what this role has given me, I feel I owe it to the community to give back."

A healthy smile is a great indicator of a healthy life, so make dental education and regular dental hygienist visits an integral part of your healthcare routine.