Did you know healthy gums add up to a healthy life?

Did you know that periodontal diseases are thought to affect 70% of the world population? Did you know severe periodontal (gum) disease is considered a potential risk factor to several serious health conditions?

Published studies in recent years point to a potential link between severe periodontal disease and serious health problems. These diseases have an impact on our overall health and quality of life. I know as I work in health and wellness every day!

What are Periodontal Diseases?

Periodontal diseases are chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. They are caused mainly by the accumulation of bacterial bio film (plaque) on all the surfaces of teeth and result in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. If left untreated, it could lead to the deterioration of the supporting bone causing the loss of teeth.

GINGIVITIS is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Fortunately gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and proper oral hygiene.

PERIODONTITIS is an advanced for of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss is characterized by pocket formation and recession of the gingiva (gums). Cavities are the major cause of tooth loss amongst 15 - 24 year olds. BUT...periodontal disease is in fact the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS

In recent years, studies have shown that oral bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. Bodily response to the bacteria, including generation of cytokines, can lead to serious health problems, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, aggravation of diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, stroke and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. Did you know smoking had a four -fold impact on the tissues in the oral cavity? Pregnant women who have gum disease have a seven- fold increased risk of delivering a preterm, low birth weight baby. Did you know bleeding is a sign of gum disease? Healthy tissue does not bleed? Many people accept bleeding gums as the norm in the mouth.

When the dental hygienist probes and records the findings this is how it breaks out 1-3 mm without bleeding is deemed to be Healthy. 4-5mm with inflammation is deemed Early Periodontitis 6mm with inflammation is Moderate and Advanced is beyond that. This is all broken down into treatment times and other adjuncts to treat the disease as quickly as possible. There are many methods to treat the condition from a through root planning to an intervention with an anti microbial to treatment with an antibiotic. All is for not if proper home care is not delivered and implemented.

To help keep the teeth and gums free from plaque and other bacteria it is important to brush and floss daily as well as to practice other custom steps.

THE HOW TO ACCORDING TO HEATHER!

It is very trite to say to the client at the end of the appointment brush and floss more... What exactly do I mean by this? I show the client in their own mouth how to care for it properly. It takes me a few minutes at the end of my appointment and I find it adds value to the appointment. What good is it that I do the best job as a hygienist and leave the home care to chance! I teach everyone according to their own specific need. I place the brush into the mouth and have th client feel where it needs to be applied at what angle and for how long. I usually choose a cross action as I like the size of the handle head and the bristles are off centre so they easily adapt to the embrasures between the teeth.

For floss I have many approaches. The first I demonstrate the feel of the floss rubbing the basement of the pocket. It is of the most value to clean here as the disease progresses from this point into the bone and blood system. I use dental tape and take my time to show how it splays open to captures the plaque and removes it form the pocket. It is of no value to use a Teflon skinny type that cuts through the bio film and leaves it behind like a hot knife through butter. I demonstrate how to hold the floss properly by wrapping it on the centre fingers at the nail bed and not around the index fingers as we need these to control the floss along with the thumbs.

I will continue on with this article including diagrams and helpful tips on how to remove the gum disease factor from the balance scales that determine your health. I also have a viable internet home based business with products to boost your immune system and nourish your cells through proper nutrition. With a strong immune system you can take on the challenges of every day life without being a consumed by every stressor out there. I have embraced this life changing decision to create health and wealth beyond reason. Join me on my journey. hjh

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