Oral Hgyiene

There is now a well established link between gum disease, known as periodontal disease, and serious medical problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, pancreatic cancer and pregnancy complications.

As a result, while we have always been keen to ensure maximum oral health with regular cleans to maintain teeth and reduce gum disease, we now recognise that it is a medical need to reduce the risks of further medical problems.

Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing teeth a couple of times a day, daily flossing and the use of a good mouthwash. Even by being scrupulous with hygiene at home , it is inevitable that eventually plaque will adhere to teeth and harden. The plaque forms in hard to reach areas, creating pockets where bacteria can grow, requiring a professional cleaning.

It is the excess accumulation of bacteria that causes the local periodontal tissue to become inflamed, which is called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to a more chronic condition, called periodontitis . When inflammation is present, oral bacteria and its byproducts, called endotoxins, can enter the general blood circulation.

It is believed that it is the body’s secondary inflammatory response to these circulating bacteria that is implicated in the complication of many medical conditions and diseases. The goal of periodontal treatment is to remove inflammation-causing bacteria from the mouth, thereby preserving tooth health and decreasing overall systemic inflammation.

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of progression of periodontal disease. These include smoking, stress, a family history of gum disease, teeth irregularities, medications, and other systemic diseases.

Therefore I recommend that, to make your life easier, that you book in to see the hygienist for a clean on a regular basis, and your checkup can occur at the same time to maximise your time.

A Dental Hygienist, are the experts at cleaning and maintaining periodontal health. Most patients will require the services of a dental hygienist, usually every 6 or 12 months, although the recall period will be different for every patient.