During the winter holidays, it’s hard to say no to sweet foods and drinks – a natural part of socialising. Now is a great time to make sure those off diet times weren’t also teeth-damaging times. Come in to us so we can nip any tooth decay in the bud – whiten and brighten your teeth, remove stains, and replace old, worn fillings. Yes, it’s time to clear out the old, bring in the new. And, while you’re at it – give your teeth a spring cleaning to invigorate your smile. Get ready for outdoor activities you want to share, and social gatherings you’re sure to remember. Spring is a magical time. Make sure your smile is magical too!
Brush for Health - Healthy Mouth Healthy Body
There are new findings which support something that dental professionals have suspected for a long time: infections in the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body.
Problems which may be caused or made worse by poor dental health include:
-
heart disease
-
strokes
-
diabetes
-
premature and low-birth-weight babies
-
respiratory (lung) disease
In people who have gum disease, bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream. It can then affect the heart by sticking to fatty deposits in the blood vessels of the heart. This can make clots more likely to form. Blood clots can reduce normal blood flow, so that the heart does not get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs. If the blood flow is badly affected this could lead to a heart attack. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than those without gum disease.
Several studies have looked at the connection between mouth infection and strokes. They have found that people diagnosed with a stroke are more likely to have gum disease than people who have not had one. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without it. This is probably because diabetics are more likely to get infections in general. People who do not know they have diabetes, or whose diabetes is not under control, are especially at risk. If you do have diabetes it is important that any gum disease is diagnosed, because it can increase your blood sugar. This would put you at risk of diabetic complications. Also, if you are diabetic, you may find that you heal more slowly. If you have a problem with your gums, or have problems after visits to your dentist, discuss this with your dentist before dental treatment.
Always tell your dentist about any changes to your general health. It is especially important to tell them if you are pregnant or have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or have ever had a stroke. You also need to tell them about any medicines you are taking as these can affect both your treatment and the health of your mouth.
New research has also shown that you are more likely to develop diabetes if you have gum disease.
If you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean to remove any scale or tartar. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist.
They will also show you how to effectively remove the soft plaque yourself, by cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which forms on the teeth and gums every day.
Gum disease is never cured. But as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught you can slow down its progress and even stop it altogether. You must make sure you remove plaque every day, and go for regular check ups with the dentist and hygienist, as often as they recommend.
Did you know?
Did you know that milk and cheese contain calcium and phosphorous, which are important for the growth, development and health of teeth? In fact, milk is one of the few drinks that are safe to have between meals, and a small piece of hard cheese chewed on its own after meals can actually help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Trust in those who have earned your trust and earn their trust in return
Our practice wants you to refer us to your family, friends and colleagues. Did you know that the highest compliment you can give us is referring our practice to people you care about? Yes, your trust means the world to us, and fuels our commitment to raise the bar even higher on providing you and yours with excellent dental care. From implementing the latest technology, procedures, and techniques, to being flexible in scheduling appointments and offering supportive payment options.
