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Maintaining good oral hygiene is not only about a beautiful smile. It’s also important for overall health. With conditions like periodontal disease often linked to major systemic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, regular visits to the dentist can mitigate these risks.
What Your Mouth Says About You
When you visit your dentist, the condition of your mouth can also provide considerable insight into your overall health. “The examination begins pretty much as the patient enters the room”, says Dr Sudeep Iyer, Senior Dental Practitioner at Total Health. “We look at the face, neck and jaw for changes since the last visit. Only then do we begin checking the teeth, gums and cheeks.”
Autoimmune diseases, bulimia, diabetes and even stress can all be detected from your oral health. Clues in your mouth can tell a dentist that your body may be experiencing health problems elsewhere. “Dentists are not only maintaining your smile and repairing the damage to teeth”, continues Dr Sudeep, “using the advanced technology we have at our disposal, we also screen for oral cancer and look for the all-important signs of gum disease.”
A Common Problem
Gum disease is a very common dental problem. According to the NHS Adult Oral Health Survey, almost 1 in 5 adults reported having been told they had gum disease, and it becomes more prevalent with age.
Gum disease starts with a build up of plaque, a bacterial substance that brushing and flossing removes if done regularly. However, when left it hardens into a substance known as tartar which irritates the gums, causes inflammation and can even cause bleeding. This is early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, and is reversible. Regular check-ups are crucial as, if left unchecked, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis causing the gums to recede, bone to be denuded, and eventually, loss of teeth.
Common signs of gum disease include swelling, bleeding, or pocketing between the teeth and gums. If untreated, it can damage teeth and more importantly, affect your overall health.
The Oral-Body Bond
Beyond tooth loss, which has been connected to depression in adults, gum disease itself has been linked to serious diseases in the body that can often go undetected. Given that the mouth is a key entry point for bacteria, unhealthy gums encourage harmful microbes to enter the bloodstream and in time, affect other organs, increasing the risk of:
Diabetes: Gum disease and diabetes are interconnected. High blood sugar encourages oral bacteria growth, and gum inflammation can make blood sugar harder to manage.
Heart Disease: Inflammation and bacterial infections in the mouth can spread to the bloodstream and potentially damage blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Respiratory Disease: Oral bacteria can enter the lungs from the mouth, increasing the risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory infections like pneumonia and COPD.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: While a direct causal link hasn't been established, one study found that bacteria associated with gum disease has been found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. However, it's important to note that this does not mean gum disease directly causes dementia, but rather that it may be a contributing factor.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
As Dr Sudeep puts it, “Preventative dentistry encompasses a range of practices aimed at maintaining oral health and stopping dental disease before it has a chance to take hold. Emphasis is placed on patient education, routine cleanings and screenings.“
As well as mitigating the risk of oral diseases, there are a wealth of benefits to visiting the dentist regularly, rather than simply to repair teeth when you're experiencing pain. Benefits of preventative dental care include:
Oral Hygiene Education: Instruction on effective brushing and flossing techniques to prevent plaque build up.
Early Detection: Evaluations at least every six months to detect issues early. Early detection and treatment is also more economical in the long run.
Dental Hygiene:: Maintain optimal oral health by visiting a professional to remove plaque and tartar build up using specialist dental equipment.
Fluoride Treatments: Application of fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of cavities, particularly in children.
Sealants: Protective coatings are applied to the teeth, particularly molars, to prevent decay.
Dental Anxiety
Dr Shalini Sharma, dentist at Total Health, acknowledges that a dental surgery can seem a little scary to the uninitiated, even for adults! However, ensuring patients have positive experiences is essential, especially for young ones.
In certain cases, calming techniques such as clinical sedation may be used to prevent anxiety and discomfort during certain procedures. It is important to work with a dentist, or paediatric dentist, who is experienced with typical sedation methods, from nitrus oxide to stronger medicinal sedatives, but only if they are genuinely needed.
When Plaque Wins Anyway
It's clear: prevention is the best medicine. However, tooth loss happens, and when it does it's important to seek professional help to prevent future oral health issues.
With advancements in technology and materials, the field of dentistry has evolved significantly, and continues to do so. “The integration of new technologies in dentistry has revolutionised traditional practices", says Dr Sudeep, “allowing for more effective and aesthetically pleasing solutions to common dental issues."
For tooth loss, the use of surgical dental implants provides a reliable means for restoring teeth. Modern implants consist of titanium posts surgically anchored into the jawbone. They provide a stable foundation for dental crowns, bridges or dentures. They are popular due to their durability and resemblance to natural teeth.
Apart from improved confidence and mental wellbeing, implants help preserve the jawbone by stopping reabsorption which can happen with missing teeth. They have a functional efficiency that cannot be found with normal dentures, which can move and dislodge at inopportune moments.
Just Keep Smiling
Dr Sudeep acknowledges that the most significant advancements in clinical dentistry are now in preventative care, with dental implants and clear aligners following suit. Together, they provide patients with effective and aesthetically pleasing treatment, while promoting long-term oral health, which he concludes is the goal of any dentist. And, of course, for the patient to leave happy, healthy and with a perfect smile!
