Did you know the health of your mouth and gums mirrors the health of your body as a whole?
If you don’t adequately care for your teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene can lead to infection and disease, which, left untreated, can contribute to the development of other health issues.
Substantial Australian and international studies have found a relationship between periodontal disease (gum disease) and an increased risk of developing more serious conditions. These can include heart problems, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease and cancer, to name just a few. Also, for pregnant mothers with periodontitis, there is an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing/flossing
- Tooth discolouration
- Excessive plaque build-up
- Frequent oral pain
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Establishing an effective dental care regime is key to maintaining optimum oral hygiene and reversing any existing damage. We recommend the following preventative steps to help stop oral infections before they develop:
At-home daily cleaning routine
Thoroughly brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day will remove plaque. Flossing in between your teeth at least once every day will ensure plaque and food debris is removed from places your toothbrush cannot reach. It’s also beneficial to use a mouthwash with fluoride to strengthen teeth enamel, remove bacteria and prevent tooth decay. Don’t forget to replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months to achieve an efficient clean.
Bi-annual dental assessments
Visiting your dentist for a regular dental assessment every six months plays a vital role in preventative dental care. Your dental practitioner will professionally clean your teeth and around the gums to keep them in top shape. It’s also an invaluable opportunity to detect potential problems in their early stages before they escalate into more serious issues that are harder, if not impossible, to address. For example, a simple filling at the right time could prevent a time-consuming and costly root canal treatment in the near future; or even the loss of the infected tooth. So think twice about delaying dental assessments.
Contact our team today to arrange a consultation or to discuss any dental concerns. At Warnbro Sound, we are committed to maintaining optimum oral hygiene in all of our patients and are happy to demonstrate effective preventative care techniques that you can administer at home.
