Have you ever had your doctor examine your teeth and gums? I haven’t. Our mouths are the gateway to our bodies and studies show a link between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. I’m guessing they aren’t examining them because they expect our dentists to do that. Do you realize how many people only go to their doctor when they’re ill and even less to their dentist?
Some of our lifestyle choices begin catching up with us in our 50’s and this generally causes a rude awakening. Such practices as fast food diets, being couch potatoes, and continued partying through the years are reflected in our lab results when we get our physical exams.
I’m seeing quite a few clients in their 40’s and 50’s that aren’t seeing a dentist. I’m finding their mouth care lacking either because they don’t know proper technique or they don’t understand the significance of not doing it. When I worked in corporate America, I went to the dentist every three to four months to get my teeth cleaned because my insurance paid for it. Then I left that corporate job and found my insurance coverage to be inadequate as well as much more costly. Suddenly going to the dentist became a more difficult decision.
What is periodontitis? Why is it so important to address? It is actually a gum disease and results from bacteria buildup resulting in plaque formation. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), “plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Following eating, bacteria in plaque produces substances which irritate our gums making them red, tender, and bleed easily. “The gums then can become more inflamed and gradually the gums start to detach from the tooth. This causes a space between the gum and the tooth which then creates a “pocket.” As the pocket gets deeper, the jaw bone holding the tooth in place deteriorates which then causes the tooth to become loose and the gums to recede which make the tooth appear longer.
According to the British Medical Journal in May 2010, failure to brush one’s teeth twice daily may increase your risk of heart disease 70%! My hygienist informed me I was brushing my teeth correctly except for a little too vigorously. But flossing, I was doing all wrong. The method I was using actually aggravated my gums and provided a portal for bacteria! For flossing follow the ADA’s website,
Oral hygiene:
- Use either a soft-bristled or electric/battery-operated toothbrush…
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
- WaterPiks can be used in addition to brushing and flossing but not as a substitute.
- Last thing at night, floss then gargle with mouthwash such as Scope or Listerine to kill bacteria.
- Vitamins C and D, Coenzyme Q 10, and cranberries may also help with gum disease. Ask your dentist what they recommend.
On a recent visit, my dental hygienist patiently asked questions and explained without patronizing proper mouth care. I listened this time.