Is there a connection between oral health and overall health?

Yes, recent research suggests that there is a connection between oral health and overall health. Infections in the mouth can be linked with problems in other parts of the body, including heart disease, strokes, diabetes, giving birth to a premature or low-birth-weight baby, and respiratory (lung) disease. The bacteria from gum disease can get into the bloodstream, affecting the heart by causing platelets in the blood to stick together, which can make clots more likely to form. Bacterial chest infections are also thought to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the throat and mouth into the lungs. It is important to visit your dental team if you have any symptoms of gum disease and tell them about any changes to your general health or medication. Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease and its related health problems.

It is thought that regular exercise and a healthy diet may help to boost the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation in the gums, which can prevent gum disease from developing or getting worse.

However, it’s important to note that exercise and diet should not replace regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices. These are essential for maintaining good dental health and preventing gum disease.

Steps to Combat Gum Disease

The swelling, redness and bleeding of gums caused by inflammation, commonly known as gum disease, can be accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth and halitosis. Teeth may become loose and there may be frequent oral infections.

It is crucial to inform your dentist of any changes in your overall health, particularly if you have conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, or have had a stroke. Pregnancy also requires special attention from dental professionals. Additionally, disclosing the medications you take is important as they may affect your oral health and treatment.

Although there is some indication of a genetic component to gum disease, its primary cause is the accumulation of plaque on teeth. To prevent gum disease, maintaining daily oral hygiene by brushing and flossing is essential.

In cases of gum disease, a thorough teeth cleaning by the dental team is typically recommended to remove scale or tartar. Patients are taught how to perform proper daily oral care to eliminate the sticky film of bacteria, or plaque, that forms on teeth. While gum disease cannot be cured, adherence to home-care and regular dental check-ups can slow or halt its progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have gum disease?

If you have bleeding and sore gums when your brush your teeth it is important to attend Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Sutton, Dublin 13 for a dental check-up and a professional teeth cleaning. A thorough assessment of the health of your gums will need to be undertaken to assess if you have gum disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of your gums without bone loss but can cause painful and bleeding gums. It is a reversible condition but an urgent dental appointment with your dentist is needed.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection which causes a lot of destruction to your gums, bone and the supporting ligaments of your teeth. This is a progressive and silent disease that often occurs without pain or many symptoms. Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar on your teeth which forms naturally . Plaque consists of bacteria which produce toxins that irritated the gums and cause permanent damage such as gum recession and tooth mobility. Gum disease can cause painful, swollen and bleeding gums.

What happens if I do not treat my gum disease?

If gum disease remains untreated it will spread below the gums and damage your gums and bone which support your teeth. This can then result in your teeth becoming loose and falling out.

How do I know that I have gum disease?

You may have gum disease if they’re bleeding when you brush. Swollen, red and tender gums are common with gum disease. Gum recession and loose teeth are signs of gum disease. Sometimes your teeth can move and your bite might be altered. Bad breath and a bad taste are generally a sign of a gum infection which may lead to a diagnosis of gum disease.

How can I stabilise my gum disease?

You must attend Smile Hub Dental Clinic for a consultation to confirm that you have gum disease. Your dentist will provide you with an individualised treatment plan to help stabilise your gum disease. This usually involves dental cleanings every 4-6 months for life and a strict oral hygiene routine at home. If you’re diagnosed with gum disease then you will be at high risk for gum disease progressing for the rest of your life so Smile Hub Dental Clinic will provide you with a supportive treatment plan to ensure that we can work together as a team to maintain your teeth and prevent them from loosening and falling out. Regular cleanings and excellent oral hygiene is key. Smoking cessation is advisable as research has confirmed that smoking increases the risk of a person developing gum disease.

What are the benefits of maintaining healthy gums?

Regular dental professional cleanings and excellent at-home oral hygiene prevent bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity. Maintaining excellent gum hygiene prevents bad breath. Healthy gums allow you to smile with confidence and ensures that you can keep your own teeth for the rest of your life. Healthy gums help you avoid dentures.

What is a Dental Scale and Polish?

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic one of our highly qualified dentists can provide you with a professional dental cleaning to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Our advanced air polishing dental cleaning system effectively removes all dental stains on your teeth resulting in a whiter smile. During your dental examination your Smile Hub dentist will examine your teeth, mouth and the soft tissue of the oral cavity. All of our dentists provide oral cancer screening free of charge for every patient. Smile Hub Dental Clinic provides help and support to our patients who wish to quit smoking.

What can a dental hygienist do for me?

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic your hygienist will provide a thorough cleaning that will achieve a lot more than you can at home with a toothbrush. Hygienists also have a special interest in:

Stain Removal – drinking tea, coffee, red wine or fizzy drinks will build up stain on your teeth over time. At Smile Hub your hygienist will be able to clean those stains away using natural products for a whiter smile. Our hygienists use the innovative AirFlow system which uses air, sodium bicarbonate and water together which cleans stains instantly from your teeth for a whiter brighter smile.

Fresh Breath – a clean mouth results in a fresher breath!

Preventing Gum Diseaese – early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when brushing. At Smile Hub Dental Clinic your hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease and if they identify symptoms they will create an individualised treatment plan for you to ensure that your gum disease stabilises and resolves. It is really important that patients pay attention to these symptoms of gum disease as if left untreated gum disease can result in loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Patients who have had gum disease in the past need regular monitoring as they’re higher risk for a relapse. An estimated 90% of adults will have gum disease at some point in their life.

Oral Hygiene Plan – At Smile Hub Dental Clinic out dedicated hygienists will treat your individual needs and devise a tailored plan for you to optimise your oral hygiene routine. Our hygienists can recommend and show you how to use the right products and different types of brushes for you to ensure the highest standard of home care.

Dietary Advice – The different types of food that we eat can cause staining and acid erosion. At Smile Hub Dental Clinic our hygienists can recommend eating habits to avoid your diet having a detrimental effect on your teeth.