Diseased gums can be a dangerous sign!

Research published over the last 10-15 years has found a close relationship between dental health and overall general wellbeing. Poor oral health, in particular gum disease, has been linked to issues in the body such as coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, premature births, low birth weight babies, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

A study the USA investigated the relationship between gum disease and both coronary artery disease and stroke. The study found that gum disease increased the risk of coronary heart disease by a factor of 1.5 and increased the risk of stroke by a staggering 2.8! These highly significant results indicate very clearly that it is more important than ever for patients to maintain their oral health to minimise the risk of far more serious medical issues later.

How does gum disease affect the body?

It has been found that specific bacteria found in the mouth remain harmless when kept under control by good oral hygiene. However if the mouth is neglected, and dental plaque is allowed to accumulate around and between teeth, and under the gum margins, these bacteria can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Once gum disease is present, chemicals released by the bacteria trigger a chemical cascade reaction within the body’s immune system resulting in the release of inflammatory substances that have been implicated in many of the more serious diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and premature birth/low birth weight babies.

Symptoms of gum disease…

Gum disease in the early stages may have no signs or symptoms and therefore the only way to identify poor oral health is to have a full and thorough dental and gum disease examination.

Later on the when the disease process is more established, the gums could bleed after brushing or eating. When you see red streaking of the toothpaste in the washbasin or a pinkish tinge to the toothpaste you have identified bleeding due to gum inflammation. It is not normal for any gum bleeding to occur after even the most thorough tooth brushing. If you see blood in the toothpaste you should seek a dental examination.

Other symptoms of gum disease include:

• Loose gums around the teeth
• Red, sore or swollen gums
• Build-up of calculus (tartar)
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Soreness while chewing (occasionally)

If you have more severe gum disease known as periodontitis, and are experiencing bad breath, a bad taste, red or bleeding gum, loose teeth or have even had to loose teeth due to gum disease because of bone loss from around the teeth, it is important to seek dental attention as soon as possible. Treatment can save the remaining teeth and help prevent you from having to face dentures for the rest of your life.

Our focus…

At NQ Surgical Dentistry in Townsville we consider your oral health, general health and your appearance. Our treatment is restricted to the following areas of dentistry:

• Dental surgery, which includes the diagnosis of oral conditions involving the mouth, teeth, jaws or gums and their surgical correction.
• Gum disease care involving the assessment and treatment of gum disease
• 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

We provide the highest standards of care and treatment and hope to exceed your expectations in both the areas of clinical care and personal service.

For more information on our dental treatments or to book an appointment at our Townsville practice, 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