Over recent years there has been a significant amount of scientific focus and research on the link between oral and general health problems. Experts are continuing to encourage a thorough oral health routine as essential to the health of our entire bodies.
Factors such as poor diets and smoking affect the entire mouth, leading to an increased risk of gum disease. The reverse however, is only just becoming clear; as scientists make increasingly strong links from gum disease, back to broader health problems.
Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of general conditions. Although the biological connections between oral conditions such as periodontal disease and other medical conditions are still not fully understood, it is clear that major chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease share common risk factors with oral disease.
The Dental Health Foundation, Ireland’s White Paper on the Importance of Oral Health states: “The available evidence shows that oral diseases share important common risk factors with the four leading chronic diseases: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, including unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore good oral health is of vital importance to the general health of everyone.”
Recognising that oral health and general health are interlinked is essential for influencing effective oral care strategies. Preventative measures for improving the well being of the body should be considered in a holistic manner.
The Dental Health Foundation of Ireland emphasises that the mouth serves as a window to the rest of the body, providing a perspective into general health disorders. For example, mouth lesions may be the first signs of HIV infection, aphthous ulcers are occasionally a manifestation of Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease, pale and bleeding gums can be a marker for blood disorders, bone loss in the lower jaw can be an early indicator of skeletal osteoporosis, and changes in tooth appearance can indicate bulimia or anorexia.
Of course is imperative that patients keep their teeth clean to the best of their ability and are aware of the most vital ‘hot spots’ for oral health including the interproximal spaces. These high-risk areas between the teeth
trap food and debris that can easily develop into the build up of plaque and
caries.
Although natural, the process by which plaque is formed, releases toxins into the mouth and, if left unrestrained, these toxins can cause inflammation and bleeding, known as gingivitis.
When left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which destroys the bone and tissues around the teeth leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis also weakens the gingival margin where debris and bacteria can accumulate in periodontal pockets and enter the bloodstream. This result has potentially devastating effects on the body.
As we know, it is essential that dentists educate their patients on the importance of good oral health and inform them of the best methods of achieving it. As well as brushing, patients should also be encouraged to implement effective strategies for cleaning the vulnerable interproximal spaces.
The problem for dentists is that, once patients leave the surgery, they are on their own. Therefore it is vital that practitioners provide their patients with the easiest and most effective solutions to oral care, to ensure the most successful results.
As well as brushing teeth twice daily with a toothbrush it is important to clean the interproximal spaces daily. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line and addresses the areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. However, people of all ages have a tendency to avoid tasks they find difficult or tiresome, and this may have led to the most recent Adult Dental Health survey finding that only a quarter of 25-64 year olds use dental floss in the UK. It is therefore imperative to provide patients with an effective, convenient, quicker and easier option.
To reach the interproximal space with ease, specialised interdenta brushes are recommended. Artificial construction in the oral cavity, such as prostheses and orthodontic appliances, also need an adequate amount of interdental care to avoid any periodontal problems. Specialised brushes with a high degree of resilience and flexibility are required to clean normally inaccessible spaces such as between teeth or around artificial structures. Inexperienced users of interdental brushes can sometimes assume that the size of interproximal gaps will remain the same. However, after beginning an
improved dental routine, patients will notice that the size of interdental space will increase as gingival inflammation subsides. Although improved
periodontal health is cause for celebration, it is important that patients change the size of their interdental brush for continued success. Dentists or
hygienists can help by assisting patients to choose the correct size brush to
avoid causing damage. It is also important that patients do not select cheap, fragile brushes.
At best, inferior brushes are likely to be less effective; at worst, they may even make existing periodontal problems worse. Trying out a range of different-sized brushes from a supplier acknowledged for the quality of its products, such as Tandex, is recommended.
Diagnosing and treating periodontal conditions is vital to reduce many general health problems. Providing patients with easy steps to ensure continued oral health and the prevention of bacterial toxins entering the blood stream is paramount to overall good health.
References available on request.