Ann-Marie Banks, from Apollonia House Dental and Health Care in Grasscroft, looks at the connection between healthy gums and a healthy body
PEOPLE WITH diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without it, probably because diabetics are more likely to get infections in general.
People who do not know they have diabetes, or whose diabetes is not under control, are especially at risk.
If you do have diabetes it is important any gum disease is diagnosed because it can increase your blood sugar. This would put you at risk of diabetic complications.
Also, if you are diabetic, you may find you heal more slowly. If you have a problem with your gums, or have problems after visits to your dentist, discuss this with your dentist before you have any treatment.
New research has also shown you are more likely to develop diabetes if you have gum disease.
Bacterial chest infections are thought to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the throat and mouth into the lungs. This can cause infections, such as pneumonia, or could make an existing condition worse.
People with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.
A recent study found that people with fewer teeth had a higher risk of experiencing memory loss or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
This may be because the gum infections that can cause tooth loss may release chemicals that increase the brain inflammation, which leads to earlier memory loss.
Pregnant women who have gum disease may be over three times more likely to have a baby that is premature and so has a low birth weight. There is a one-in-four chance that a pregnant woman with gum disease will give birth before 35 weeks.
It seems that gum disease raises the levels of the chemicals that bring on labour. Research also suggests that women whose gum disease gets worse during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby. Having gum disease treated properly during pregnancy can reduce the risk of a premature birth.
If you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist will give your teeth a thorough clean. This will probably take a number of sessions.
They will also show you how to remove the soft plaque yourself by cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home.
Find Apollonia House Dental Practice at 167, Mossley Road, Grasscroft or call them on 01457 821800. You can also visit their website: www.apolloniahouse.com
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