The Link Between Gum Disease and Overall Health


Gum Disease Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most people have heard that Gum Disease is related to Diabetes and Heart Health. But did you know Gum Disease is also associated with the following:

a) Some forms of cancer- such as breast cancer and blood cancers.

b) Premature deliveries and low birth weights in pregnant women.

c) Respiratory Disease.

A very easy step to improve your overall health is to ensure you have healthy gums and teeth, with regular visits to your Vancouver Dentist and Dental Hygienist and daily flossing and brushing.

Some Tips and Tricks for Babies Oral Health for New Parents

1) From birth to about 12 months old use a warm cloth wrapped around your index finger to wipe out the oral cavity one time per day, preferably before bed.

2) Try and avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle to avoid ‘baby bottle syndrome’, which is extensive cavities in infants and or toddlers.

3) When your baby turns about 12 months old you can start using a smear of children’s fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush.

4) Help your child with brushing and flossing their teeth, until they are able to hand write their own name. (A good way to do this is to let them brush first and then help them with the spots they missed).

5) Don’t allow your child to sip juice or pop throughout the day. Replace these with water in the sippy cup, to avoid severe cavities.

6) When the gaps between your children’s teeth close, floss them daily.

7) Encourage your children to brush for 2 minutes every morning and night. Sonicare makes electric toothbrushes for children that time them with fun songs.

8) Take your child for their first checkup at around the age of 2 or 3, even if the Vancouver dentist can only have a quick look at the teeth.

9) Check your children’s teeth for signs of gum disease which include, redness, swelling, bleeding and bad breath.

10) Check your children’s teeth for signs of cavities (in infants this may appear as white or brown lines or dots on the teeth).

Gum Care During Pregnancy

Many women will experience increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums during pregnancy. This is called Pregnancy Gingivitis. This is due to a change in hormone levels and an increased reaction to plaque. Here are some easy steps to treat and prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis :

a) Increase your visits to the Dental Hygienist to every 3 months during pregnancy.

b) Floss at least 1x/day

c) Brush at least 2x/day, consider an electric toothbrush- you will be amazed at the results!