Q. What is gum disease?
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A. Gum disease is caused by the presence of plaque. The soft sticky stuff that forms on your teeth & soft tissues. Plaque is a community of bacteria and if not removed multiplies to form the mature film you see. Your body tries to fight this infection resulting in inflammation, redness and bleeding. Your immune system along with bacteria (if left untreated) can destroy the bone and underlying tissues that support your teeth. Plaque causes caries and bad breath.
Q. Can gum disease be prevented?
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A. Yes. It is more important how well you look after your teeth at home than what I do. You are with you all the time. Seeing a hygienist regularly will ensure early disease is detected and treated. I can also get to difficult areas you find hard to reach and I can educate you on how to better look after your teeth when you are at home.
Q. What is the role of a Dental Hygienist?
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A. Dental Hygienists help patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating periodontal disease and promoting good oral health practice.
• provide dental hygiene care
• obtain a detailed dental & medical history
• carry out a clinical examination
• complete periodontal examination and charting
• screen and monitor periodontal disease
• diagnose and treatment plan
• prescribe & take radiographs
• provide preventive oral care
• supra/subgingival scaling
• root surface debridement
• use appropriate anti-microbial therapy
• adjust restored surfaces
• apply topical treatments
• fissure sealants
• smoking cessation advice
• take intra and extra-oral photographs
• give infiltration and inferior dental block analgesia
• place temporary dressings
• re-cement crowns with temporary cement
• take impressions
• care & treatment of implants
• identify anatomical features,
• recognise abnormalities & common pathology
• carry out oral cancer screening
• if necessary, refer patients
Q. Can gum disease effect your general health?
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A. Yes. Gum disease has been associated with the following conditions:
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Dementia
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Heart Disease
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Low birth weight babies in pregnant women
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Cholesterol Levels
How much sugar is too much?
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Q. How often can I consume sugar without causing tooth decay?
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A. 4-5 acid attacks a day is recommended to reduce your chance of tooth decay. This includes all food and drink with sugar. Always check the ingredients. Drink water through out the day rather than juice. Drink only 100% squeezed juice in moderation.
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Refined sugar causes tooth decay, systemic inflammation, hyperactivity in the brain and kills your brain cells.
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