www.healthnewsireland.ie
(http://www.healthnewsireland.com/when-gum-disease-bites/)
When Gum Disease Bites
APRIL 16, 2013
Katie Belle hears how gum disease can be a sign of underlying chronic
conditions like heart disease and diabetes; and attends the launch of a new
leaflet that could save us a whole world of hurt…
GUM Disease!
Two words that should strike fear; or at least act as a clarion call to urgent action.
But, frequently, it does neither of these things. For some reason, people don’t attach
the same medical urgency to gum health as they do to other forms of health.
With this in mind, you may be interested to know that three major groups have come
together to take this particular bull by the horns and ensure that this important
message gets out there…once and for all.
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) and the Irish Dental Hygienists Association
and the Dublin Dental University Hospital have just joined forces to launch a medical
information leaflet which is designed to raise awareness of the thorny issue that is
gum disease.
It’s an important piece of work. Why? Because there are a number of conditions that
carry with them the term ‘silent disease’ – gum disease is one of them.
More often than not, the damage is going on ‘behind the scenes’, while you remain
blissfully unaware of it.
Risk Factor
But it is also a potential risk factor for other heavy-hitters, like heart disease,
diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other ‘systemic’
disorders.
Dr Steve Kerrigan explains: “Gum disease is a chronic infection of the tissues
surrounding the teeth, leading to red, swollen and tender gums.
“When most people think of a healthy smile, they picture straight white teeth. (But)
Many people never stop to consider the health of the gums and bones supporting the
teeth that allow for a nice smile.
“Over time, the inflammation as a result of gum disease causes the gums and bones
to recede and teeth to fall out. This changes the overall look of a person’s face,
mouth and smile,” says Dr Kerrigan, who is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology in the
RCSI.
It’s a common enough scourge. In fact, four out of five people in this country are
affected by gum disease and it worsens as we get older. Common lifestyle and
dietary factors, such as smoking, obesity and stress can cause gum disease. Throw
in hormonal changes and some prescription medications and it makes for a
dangerous concoction.
Susan Johnston is the President of the Irish Dental Hygienists Association. She says
that there are a whole host of benefits to staying on top of your dental health: “By
maintaining your dental health, not only are you helping to support your overall
health, but also ensuring your smile lasts a lifetime”.
She says that brushing twice a day (teeth and gums) with a fluoride toothpaste and
flossing or using interdental brushes once a day is highly recommended.
Two important tips: avoid sugary snacks between meals + visit your dentist and
hygienist at least once a year.
Symptoms of gum disease:
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Dark red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Pain when biting on food
Gums that have been pulled away or low down from the tooth
Persistent bad breath
The medical information leaflet which explains the causes, symptoms and
how to prevent gum disease is available FREE from dental surgeries, dental
hygienists, cardio departments in hospitals and pharmacy stores.
Or you can log on at www.rcsi.ie/infoleaflets