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Gum Disease
More people lose teeth due to gum disease than to
dental decay. Gum disease is widespread, progressive and mostly painless. Sufferers
from gum disease have twice the risk of fatal heart attack than those with
healthy gums. They also have a greater risk of respiratory diseases. Pregnant
women with gum disease are more likely to have a premature or low birth
weight child or have a miscarriage . Most patients are unaware that there is
a disease process progressing in their mouths, because there is usually no
pain and no obvious loosening of teeth until very late stages. Your dentist
can detect early stages of the disease and help you.
There are important links between gum disease
and these conditions:
- heart disease
- stroke
- bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia
- diabetes
- smoking
- alcohol abuse
- poor diet
“Prevention is
better than cure”
Dental disease is preventable. We recommend that
you follow these simple steps:
- Keep all sugar intakes to meal times. Beware
of hidden sugar in processed foods and fizzy drinks.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Visit your dentist regularly
Check-ups
In order to maintain healthy teeth, regular check-ups are recommended.
Depending on your individual needs you may be seen at 3, 6, 9, 12 or 18 month
intervals in accordance with the latest NICE guidelines.
Hygienist Care
To ensure that you receive the best possible
service, and that you are able to maintain positive dental health at home,
your dentist is able to refer you to a hygienist for dedicated dental care,
which includes:
- Personalised advice on teeth and gum care
- Specific advice for continuing home care
- Dietary advice
- Professional specialist cleaning
- Fluoride application where necessary
- Sealing of teeth to help prevent decay.
Oral Health
Education
Your dentist may arrange for you to see our Oral
Health Educator for specific personalized advice. This helps to ensure that
good personal oral care is included as part of your personal treatment plan.
Don't forget your toothbrush
In July 2006, we held a toothbrush amnesty where
people could swap an old toothbrush for a new one. We offered oral health
instruction to all, disclosed teeth and really put our preventative dentistry
into action.
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Winner
of the Individual team category in the Gloucestershire PCT “Celebrating
Excellent Achievement” Awards 2008