Health conditions and people living with disability

Looking after your teeth and gums can help prevent tooth pain and dental problems. It may also lower your risk of long-term health conditions (chronic diseases).

Chronic diseases include:

Other people who may be at higher risk of dental problems, including those who:

Good oral health is important for overall health. Some people may need support from different health professionals to help look after their teeth and gums.

For information on how to look after your teeth, gums and mouth, go to Dental health ​​information​.

Diabetes​

Diabetes can affect your mouth and increase the risk of:

  • tooth decay
  • gum disease
  • dry mouth

Keeping your mouth healthy can also help manage diabetes.

High blood glucose levels can make dental problems worse. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene are important for keeping both your oral health and blood sugar levels under control.

For practical tips, see Diabetes and oral health.

Heart disease​

Gum disease has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Poor oral health can allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream.

This may increase the risk of:

  • infection in the heart or heart valves
  • inflammation in the body
  • heart attack
  • narrowing of blood vessels

Brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting a dental practitioner regularly can help support both oral and heart health.

For practical tips, see Heart disease and oral health.

Rheumatic heart disease

For people living with rheumatic heart disease, good oral health is especially important. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of serious heart infections.

If you or a family member has rheumatic heart disease:

  • Brush teeth every morning and night
  • Visit a dental practitioner every year for a check‑up
  • Tell your dental practitioner about the heart condition
For more information, see Rheumatic heart disease.
    

After a stroke​​

A stroke can affect the mouth in several ways, including:
  • dry mouth
  • weakness in the arms or hands, making brushing harder
  • difficulty speaking or moving the tongue
  • difficulty swallowing
  • reduced mouth sensation, which can lead to biting injuries
  • facial paralysis

See the Stroke and oral health for support and advice.​

Mental ​illness

People living with mental illness may have a higher risk of dental disease due to:

  • side effects of some medicines
  • smoking, alcohol or drug use
  • poor diet or high sugar intake
  • high caffeine consumption
Regular dental care and daily oral hygiene are important for maintaining oral health.
 

People living with Disability​

Everyone deserves good oral health, including people living with disability.

Regular dental visits and daily oral hygiene can help prevent:

  • tooth decay
  • gum disease
  • other oral health problems​

Advice for caring for an adult

These videos show how to help an adult with disability care for their mouth.​

Part 1: Daily care

What you will learn:

  • How to build a daily routine
  • How to brush teeth
  • How to clean between teeth
  • How to reduce sugar in food and drinks

Part 2: Extra support

What you will learn:

  • How to prepare for a dental visit
  • How to use storyboards
  • How to prepare for general anaesthetic
  • How to support people who are non-verbal
  • Health issues that may affect oral care​

Advice for caring for a child

These videos show how to help a child with disability care for their teeth.

Part 1: Getting started

What you will learn:

  • Respecting body autonomy
  • Building a daily routine
  • How to brush teeth
  • Key messages to remember

Part 2: Everyday care

What you will learn:

  • Tips for toothbrushing
  • Healthy eating and drinking
  • Visiting the dentist

Caring for people who wear dentures​

If you care for a person with dentures, clean them every day and handle them gently. Good denture care helps keep the mouth comfortable and makes it easier to eat and speak.

An easy‑read guide and fact sheet​ is available with simple advi​ce on denture care for carers.

Current as at: Monday 29 June 2026
Contact page owner: Centre for Oral Health Strategy