A question often asked by dental patients is: ‘Is it really necessary to have my teeth cleaned?’
The answer is yes, for a number of reasons, according to a local dental practice.
Breaffy Dental is advising people to make looking after their gum health a priority this spring for better overall health, wellbeing, and appearance.
The latest research shows that unhealthy gums can be a factor in many diseases and therefore it is very important for your general health to maintain your oral hygiene.
Red, swollen, and bleeding gums may point to health problems from heart disease to diabetes. Your mouth always has many types of bacteria in it as it is exposed to the environment.
Some bacteria cause cavities in the teeth and other types are involved in the formation of plaque and build up on the teeth called tartar or calculus. Healthy gums are a physical barrier designed to stop bacteria entering your body. However, when gums are unhealthy, bacteria from your mouth may enter your bloodstream, setting off an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in your body.
Left untreated, gum disease can increase your risk for a host of diseases linked to inflammation. Certain diseases and medications also may cause problems in the mouth which is why a yearly check up is recommended with your dentist.
Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red, swollen, or bleeding. To keep gums healthy, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, see your dentist regularly, and avoid smoking.
At its most serious, gum disease can cause pain, abscesses, difficulty in eating, bad breath, and a loss of teeth.
All of the possible complications listed above are easily preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your hygienist or dentist on a regular basis.
For more information, contact Terence McAlinden BSc PhD DDS, Breaffy Dental, on (094 ) 9023163.
