• 16 JUN 16
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    YOUR SMILE HAS BEEN KEEPING A SECRET: It is the gateway to your overall health!

    YOUR SMILE HAS BEEN KEEPING A SECRET: It is the gateway to your overall health!

    Recent studies have revealed a strong link between your oral health and that of the entire body…

    Many oral diseases have been linked to serious health risks throughout your body, making oral hygiene and maintenance a key priority for those who not only want a healthy smile, but a healthy body and lifestyle.

    ORAL DISEASE IN FOCUS: PERIODONTAL DISEASE

    Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue of the mouth, and at our dental practice located in Redbank Plains we have noticed it is particularly prevalent amongst:

    • The elderly
    • Those who excessively consume cigarettes and alcohol
    • People who consume an unhealthy diet
    • Those who maintain poor oral health habits

    Whilst this disease presents a range of oral health complications such as gum recession and even tooth loss, it has also been linked to a range of serious health threats throughout the body. These include:

    • Heart Disease

    This is thought to be due to the fact that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both a result of chronic inflammation. The most serious forms of periodontal disease (periodontitis) have even been revealed by some studies to be a risk factor in the development of heart disease, which is why it is vitally important to seek treatment of gum disease whilst it is in its early stages.

    • Diabetes

    In the same vein as the link between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes is another inflammatory condition that has been connected with this oral disease. Existing periodontal disease has been shown to be a risk factor to the development of diabetes, whilst patients with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing this gum disease. Patients with diabetes must take extra care whilst maintaining their oral health as they are at an increased risk of developing oral disease than that of the general population.

    • Erectile Dysfunction

    The chronic inflammation connected to periodontal disease can lead to restricted blood flow, which in turn can contribute to impotence amongst men. In fact a study has revealed that men in their 30’s with periodontal disease are three times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than their counterparts with healthy gum tissue.

    • Dementia

    Studies have revealed a link between oral health and dementia. The findings revealed that elderly people who only brushed their teeth once a day were 65% more likely to develop dementia disease than those who brushed their teeth at least twice per day.

    • Arthritis

    Researchers have found that around two thirds of patients who suffer from arthritis also suffer from periodontal disease, and this is thought to be a result of chronic inflammation.
    How can I protect my smile against periodontal disease?
    There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself against gum disease:

    1. Brush your teeth twice a day. This should be performed with a soft bristled tooth brush ensuring that you brush along all of your gum line with gentle rotations.
    2. Floss your teeth every single day.
    3. Maintain a healthy diet
    4. Reduce or eliminate your consumption of cigarettes and alcohol

    This should be supplemented by regular visits to our dental practice located in Redbank Plains for a regular oral health check-up and professional clean. During your visit our dental professionals will check for potential threats to your oral health such as periodontal disease and take appropriate action to prevent these diseases from damaging your oral and overall health.

    To find out more about the general, preventive, cosmetic and restorative dental services we offer at Redbank Plains Dental, or to arrange an appointment with one of our friendly dental professionals, please contact us.

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