The leading cause of tooth loss is?

Over 90% of the world’s population will suffer from gingivitis, which is an inflammation. This inflammation is the leading cause of tooth loss.  Gingivitis (Gum Disease) is caused by the gum surrounding the teeth becoming inflamed due to the toxic response from bacterial byproducts resulting from inadequate plaque removal. This condition does not lead to bone destruction in all people but sadly there is no way to identify which patients with gingivitis will go on to develop bone destruction.

We have believed that around 15-20% of the population will go on to develop the more damaging form of gum disease known as periodontitis, where the bone around the teeth is slowly eroded away by the inflammatory reaction leading to tooth loss. Sadly more recent research coming out of the USA may suggest this figure is far hight, possibly above 50%.  More research is needed to check this figure within different population groups.

Gum disease is also one of the easiest oral health problems to manage

In our blog, “Teeth, Gums, Plaque and Nutrition – Partners in Disease” we look at how dental disease (including dental decay and gum disease) is almost completely preventable. Arguably, dental disease is the most preventable of all diseases.

Preventing gum disease and tooth decay can save you from extractions and other oral health problems later on. but if reduced dental disease doesn’t motivate you, then perhaps the massive saving on dental treatment costs will. At NQ Surgical Dentistry we’ve sadly seen children as young as 6-9 who’ve had to have, not only baby teeth removed, but also some of their adult teeth removed too, due entirely to tooth decay.  Apart from the devastating effect on their oral health, their future chewing ability and their appearance, the cost of the extensive dental treatment is very significant and this cost can be entirely avoided.

Extraction of teeth in young children usually takes place under general anaesthetic as they are too young to cope with a tooth extraction while awake.  This adds further cost to the procedure as the surgery must be performed in the day surgery unit at the Mater Hospital, Hyde Park, and a consultant anaesthetist must administer the anaesthetic.

Prevention is better than cure; keeping your natural teeth for life is beneficial not just to your oral but your general health as well and it saves money!

Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition

We use the professional services of a nutritionist who is always happy to help both our patients and patients sent to us by other local dentists. The biggest problem faced by Mums and Dads in preventing tooth decay in their children is controlling the intake of sugars.  Sugars are often contained in foods as preservatives and this aspect of nutrition is a very important part of the information offered by a nutritionist, which explains why we try to work with a such a diet professional whenever possible

Healthy eating choices, alongside an effective oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, are the best ways to prevent dental diseases.

The importance of your gums

In another blog, Gum Disease – “silent and deadly!”, we look at the importance of healthy-looking gums around the teeth.

Can you imagine what you would look like with a big wide smile showing teeth with receding, swollen or bleeding gums and big black spaces between your teeth?

These characteristics are all signs of gum disease. Not a pretty sight! One could almost imagine seeing it on a cigarette pack as a health warning.

Some important points to keep in mind:

• Bleeding gums are not normal
• Bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss is not normal
• Treatment for gum disease is easy, effective and affordable saving massive dental fees later
• It’s cheaper and easier to prevent gum disease than treat it

Emergency Message

Did you know that this leading form of tooth loss, gum disease, has been linked to general health problems such as stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer’s? That’s a fact so get your gum disease treated now before it’s too late.

Our focus

When you come for a visit to NQ Surgical Dentistry in Townsville, we consider your oral and general health as well as your appearance. Our area of treatment focus is restricted to the following areas of dentistry:

• gum disease care: this involves the assessment and treatment of gum disease.
• dental surgery: this includes the diagnosis of oral conditions involving the mouth, teeth, jaws or gums and their surgical correction.
• Implant therapy that deals with the planning for, and surgically placement of implants to replace single teeth, groups of teeth or an entire jaw of teeth.

If you would like to know more about how the NQ Surgical Dentistry team can help you, or book an appointment at our Townsville practice, please contact the friendly team at NQ Surgical Dentistry today on (07) 4725 1656 or call in to see us at 183 Kings Rd, Pimlico QLD 4812

For more information: Dental Hygiene Therapy