Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health campaign.
The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help keep your teeth and smile for life.
This year, the theme for Dental Health Week is Gums.
Goulburn Valley Health Dental Services Clinical Director Dr Scott Freeman pointed out the strong correlation between gum disease and other diseases.
HEART DISEASE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
“People with gum disease have a 30% increased risk of heart attacks.“
DIABETES
“It has been known for a long time of an association between diabetes and gum disease. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to more severe gum disease which can then lead to infections that makes control of sugar levels in blood more difficult.”
CANCER
“There is a 15% increased risk of developing any type of cancer in patients with gum disease compared to the rest of the population and even higher risks for those with stomach and oesophageal cancers.”
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
“There is an increased risk of developing dementia in patients with chronic gum disease lasting longer than 10 years.”
“Fortunately, for most people, early prevention can prevent severe gum disease from developing,” Dr Freeman said.
“Brushing well twice a day and regular flossing will prevent the development of gum disease for the majority of the population.”
The GV Health Dental Service encourages people to get their teeth checked regularly and, following the theme of Dental Health Week, focus on their gums.
If your gums are bleeding, you should schedule a dentist appointment, in addition to regular dental check ups.
The GV Health dental team comprises dentists, dental therapists, assistants, technicians and students, and offers emergency, general, denture and preventative dental care for those on a healthcare card.
They also offer a range of services and programs for children in-clinic, like the Early Childhood Oral Health program, the School Dental Service and the Youth Dental Program, which provide affordable general and emergency dental care for kids.
The clinic also has a partnership with the University of Melbourne, which provides a student training program for final-year dental students and free appointments for those that choose to book with a student.
Dental appointments through GV Health require a healthcare card, so if you require dental assistance and meet the eligibility criteria, contact the dental team at GV Health on 5832 3050.
GETTING TO KNOW GUM DISEASE
There are two main types of gum disease; gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene lets bacteria collect on the teeth around the gums. This can make the gums inflamed. Inflamed gums may look puffy and bleed when brushing. Bleeding gums are a sign of disease. Healthy gums do not bleed.
How is gingivitis treated?
Gingivitis can be treated by improving teeth cleaning at home every day. This includes brushing and cleaning between the teeth. A professional dental clean by a dentist may also be needed.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe type of gum disease. It is also called periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is caused by destructive mouth bacteria. The bone that holds the teeth in place is lost. This can create ‘pockets’ around the teeth. These pockets are spaces under the gums where more bacteria can collect. Sometimes the gums will pull away from the teeth. This is called gum recession.
What increases your risk?
- Poor oral hygiene
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes
- Past or current smoking habits
- A family history of periodontitis
Source: teeth.org.au
