The Dangers of Gum Disease

Periodontitis is common - 8-10% of the population have a high susceptibility to plaque induced inflammation of the gum tissue.

This is usually symptom free (people often accept bleeding gums as "normal"), until the later stages of the disease when abscesses can develop or teeth become loose.

One of the ways we monitor your gum health is to concentrate of the "pocket" depths and working to reduce them (a pocket is the little cuff of gum around the tooth that is usually 1-3mm in health). However, there is more and more scientific evidence emerging that persistent oral inflammation can be damaging to overall health and wellbeing.

Believe it or not, this concept of oral disease causing general health problems isn't a new one, Hippocrates in 400BC attempted to treat arthritis with the removal of teeth, and in the 1930's the focal infection theory was popular (the idea that oral infection caused inflammatory changes in distant body sites). And now it's back.......

The two most common diseases linked with periodontitis are heart disease and diabetes, although there have also been associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes, stress, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis among others.

Plaque left on teeth can lead to blood vessel damage, altered blood clotting and ultimately an increased risk of heart disease through a number of pathways. Periodontal patients have an increased level of c-reactive proteins and other inflammatory markers - and these are seen as a risk factor in heart disease. Treatment for periodontal disease will reduce the level of these inflammatory markers, so therefore reduce the risk of heart disease also.

We know that diabetes makes periodontitis makes worse. Diabetics are more prone to abscesses and periodontal disease. Advanced Glycaemic Endproducts are produced in the body of a diabetic when the patient is hyperglycaemic as a way to mop up any excess glucose in the blood. When the AGE circulate in the blood they stimulate inflammation and can also lead to mobility and also reduce healing.

This link between gum disease and other systemic disease should definitely be taken seriously, and treatment for gum disease should be based on reducing gum inflammation in the hope that it will have an effect on a patients systemic health as well.*

Here at Absolute Dental we are lucky to have a periodontal specialist in the practice who takes referrals from all over the South West and beyond! We work together to share data and findings from reports such as this which means, as a team our knowledge on the subject is as up to date as possible. If you have any concerns, please speak to the team.

*taken from an article in PPD April 2011 by Matthew Perkins BDS MSc(Perio) MClinDent(Perio) MFD RCSI MRD RCSEd  specialist periodontist.

Fabulous Carys off to Cambodia with Dentaid!

I have been a dental nurse at Absolute Dental for about 3 years now and want to share the knowledge I have learnt with the world improving oral health around the globe, Dentaid have given me the opportunity to do so in Cambodia so in February 2016 I will be embarking on the trip of a lifetime volunteering in Cambodia with Dentaid.

Dentaid’s mission is to enable people of disadvantaged communities to achieve an optimal level of oral health by accessing appropriate, sustainable, primary oral health care services in their community. This is achieved through fostering and supporting worldwide partnerships to deliver equipment, training and education to oral health professionals, thereby improving the oral health of poor and socially disadvantaged communities.

Over the next year I will be raising money for this trip and the charity with events and challenges, if you would like to donate I have added the link to the Dentaid website for more information on the vital dental aid they provide and also to my bt donate page where you can find out some more information about the my Cambodia mission and donate. Carys.

http://www.dentaid.org/

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/carysjohns1




 

Reasons why Dental Implants can be Life Changing - Absolute Dental

There are many reasons why someone might choose to have dental implants over traditional dentures; each reason is as unique as the individual who is making the choice. We have compiled a list of common reasons you should choose dental implants, reasons that very well could be life changing.

1. Were you aware that as you age you lose facial structure and your face can actually shorten? This shortening of the face is why you see those distinct “age lines” on the elderly’s’ faces. When you have dental implants you are helping to preserve the jawbone’s integrity. You have heard the saying you better use it before you lose it? Your jawbone is no different if you do not use your jawbone on a regular basis then you will lose the bone density. Dental implants provide the natural pressure on the jawbone from chewing; this pressure can be lost when you lose the tooth. Your jawbone won’t know the tooth is a implant because it will mimic the same movement that your real tooth would have.
2. Look younger by choosing dental implants. That’s correct you read that right, when you decide to go with dental implants they can actually help you look younger. Think about it, when you see a young person they appear young because everything is in its place, everything is where it should be. Dental implants can help assist the slowing of the degenerative process of things shifting under the skin. Dental implants also help improve your confidence and over all morale which helps make you seem younger as well.
3. Dental implants can make you speak better. When you have dentures you may not realize it but you will speak differently, because you have to adjust to holding the dentures in your mouth and they are unnatural so the entire way you hold your jaw changes. With dental implants the teeth feel as normal as your natural ones so there is no change in your jaw line or how you speak. On a side note with dental implants you won’t ever have to worry about your dentures falling out during a laugh or sneeze.
4. Dental implants are a one-time stop most times. Dental implants due to the material they are made from, titanium they are not at risk for decay or break down so they can last you 20 years or even longer! When you chose to have a dental bridge you will need to replace that every 5-10 years due to the dental decay, and dentures are recommended to be replaced every couple years as well. All these replacements and fixes cost money whether it is co-pays or out of pocket it’s money you don’t have to spend, if you opt to have dental implants put in the first time around.

Is Tooth Grinding a problem for you?

Dental issues can cause extensive damage in pain if not handled properly.  Most dental issues are very noticeable while some, such as teeth grinding, may not be noticed until damage has already been done.  Teeth grinding often happens during sleep, leaving the patient unaware unless there is pain or someone else hears it.

Your dentist may refer to teeth grinding with the technical term of Bruxism.  This act can cause damage to your teeth.  Stress can trigger the grinding or clenching.  It is also very common for teeth grinding to occur during sleep. Complications of the teeth and even the jaw can result from long term teeth grinding.

Teeth can suffer from chips an excessive wear leaving the mouth sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Over time, some patients develop recurring pain in the jaw from the on-going pressure associated with teeth grinding. Teeth can eventually crack, as well.  The biting surfaces of the teeth may take on a flattened appearance as opposed to the natural sharper surface purposed towards chewing food.

Damage can be painful and expensive.  Warning signs should be taken into account in order to catch the problem early. Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the amount of damage and increase comfort. If the condition is allowed to persist, damage could lead to decay, receding gums, and jaw joint problems.  This can cause difficulty with opening the jaw and pain.

Take notice if you wake to a cheek that feels damaged or chewed on the inside, pain in jaw, or sensitive teeth.  Teeth can also become loose with repeated exposure to grinding.  If your partner tells you how much noise you make when you sleep, don’t ignore it.  It is pertinent that you get to a dentist to diagnose and prevent problems.

Dental work may be necessary to correct the problem and some vitamin deficiencies may contribute to the issue.  Calcium and magnesium may need to be supplemented.  The most common preventative measure, however is the use of a mouth guard to keep the teeth separated.  Custom mouth guards can be made by your dentist.

Other healthy changes that may contribute to a cease in grinding include lowering stress and caffeine intake.  Seeing a dentist as soon as you suspect teeth grinding is your best line of defence.  Teeth, gums and the jaw can suffer without proper treatment.