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HEALTH&FITNESS
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July14
Healthy Gums, Healthy Teeth
According to the people at PHSC Dental, our teeth should
last us our lifetime – and maintaining healthy gums is
all-important. That’s because gum disease is one of the
major causes of tooth loss. But, if periodontal disease is
largely preventable, why is it so common?
Signs of gum disease
•
Red, swollen or tender gums
•
Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food
•
Receding gums, where the teeth appear longer than
they used to
•
Loose or separating teeth
•
Pus between the gums and teeth
•
Mouth sores
•
Persistent bad breath
•
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you
bite
•
A change in the fit of partial dentures
Risk factors
Some people have a higher risk of developing periodontal
disease. Smoking is a major risk factor. You’re also more
at risk if you’re stressed, pregnant or diabetic, or taking
on various medications.
The link between gum inflammation and
heart health
A number of studies show that oral health can have a
significant impact on cardiovascular health, according
to
www.mercola.com:•
Researchers at Columbia University in New York found
that improving dental care slows down the build-up of
plaque in the arteries, reducing your risk of heart disease.
•
Another 2010 study found that those with the worst
oral hygiene had a whopping 70 percent higher risk
of developing heart disease than twice-a-day brushers.
What’s more, it is also well documented that periodontal
infections may have an impact on systemic diseases or conditions
such as diabetes, pregnancy, and infective endocarditis. There
is even preliminary evidence associating periodontal infections
with lung disease and other remote site afflictions such as
colorectal cancer.
4-Step Prevention
•
Visit your dentist at least every six months.
•
He or she should check the condition of your gums, take x-rays
to help diagnose periodontal health issues, and give your teeth
and gums a professional clean.
•
You should tell your dentist about any predisposing conditions
or diseases you may have, and any medications you are
currently taking.
•
Remember! The onus still falls on you to properly brush your
teeth at least twice a day and to floss every day.
PHSC Dental
#19-01 Paragon Medical, 290 Orchard Road
6883 6977 | phscdental.com
place, based on the exact movements
your dentist or orthodontist has
planned out for you.
•
About every two weeks, you simply
switch to the next set of aligner trays
in the series.
This isn’t just for adults who don’t
want their braces to be visible; in fact,
the 14-year-old daughter of one of my
colleagues recently underwent Invisalign
treatment, with a very good result.
Orange Orthodontics and Dentofacial
Orthopaedics
6737 0544 | orangeorthodontics.com