Most people come to see me because they have a tooth problem. What do I mean, well they have a broken tooth, painful tooth, sensitive teeth or they don’t like the fact they have a missing tooth or teeth. Their teeth are crowded or they are unhappy with the colour, but very few come to see me because their gums are killing them or their unborn child.
Strong words I hear you say ‘KILLING’ how could that be. Very few people realise the importance of having a healthy mouth because we focus on teeth and not gums yet without your gums you would have no teeth. Gum disease is still the main reason we loose our teeth in later life yet this is not what I am talking about.
In February 2010 it was reported that a baby was killed by the mother’s gum disease. We suspected gum disease increased the risk of have a low birth weight or still born child but this case reported in the journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology – reveals the case of a 35 year old woman who had the common gum disease gingivitis. Yes simply bleeding gums. The baby was stillborn at 39 weeks with traces of bacteria from its mother’s mouth in its lungs, stomach and blood stream.
If you are a diabetic you know that your aim is to control your blood sugars because it is high blood sugars that lead to serious complications, such as eye problems and heart disease. It is thought that when bacteria infect the mouth and cause inflammation, the resulting chemical changes reduce the effectiveness of insulin and raise the levels of blood sugar.
Are you at risk of a heart attack or just had one because of your gums? We know that inflammation caused by gum disease can affect blood vessels and causes furring of the arteries in a similar way to cholesterol. Bacteria in the mouth is associated with heart attacks even when other factors known to contribute to poor heart health such as have high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, body weight and smoking, are adjusted for.
Here at Smile Style we know that gum disease is very treatable and are best placed to help as we the highest ratio of hygienists to dentist is the area. That is one hygienist to each of our dentists. We also have Oral Health trained nurses because your dental health first. Most dental health advice says see a dentist regularly but I suggest seeing a hygienist may actually save your life.
A good oral health routine should include twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly. Cleaning between the teeth is also important and should be done once-a-day using floss or interdental brushes.
When brushing put the bristles at the join between teeth and gums, pointing towards the gums, and brush using short circular movements. Brush all round every tooth, carefully making sure you can feel the brush on your gums. Don't use too much force - give your teeth and gums a gentle scrub. Thorough brushing takes two or three minutes. After brushing, you should spit out the toothpaste - but do not rinse, as this lessens the effect of the fluoride. Flossing or use of interdental brushes daily is also recommended this is trickier to master but we are happy to help you.
Are your gums red, puffy or shiny?
Do your gums ever bleed when you brush them?
Do your gums become sore and bleed if you floss or use interdental brushes?
Are you teeth looking long because the gums have receded?
Have you noticed your breath smells or a regular bad taste?
These are common signs of gum disease. Don’t make the fatal mistake for you or your baby of ignoring these signs. Make your half price dental health assessment with Smile Style today.
