Best Health – August-September 2019

PERSONALHEALTHNEWS.CA SPECIAL FEATURE

5 FACTS THAT

WILL HAVE YOU

RETHINKING

YOUR ORAL

HEALTH HABITS

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is one of the

most common oral health problems among Can-

adians. It begins with slight inflammation of the

gum tissue, which is caused by bacteria accumulat-

ing between the teeth and gums. Without the proper

attention and care, it can lead to bleeding gums, bad

breath and tooth loss.

Unfortunately, many people don’t take proper care of

their mouth. Here’s why it’s important to pay more

attention to your oral health – including your teeth,

gums, cheeks, and tongue.

1

Your oral health affects

your overall health

We know that good oral health can

help prevent things like bad breath and

tooth decay, but an unhealthy mouth also increases

the risk of serious health problems like heart disease

and diabetes.

“Research has proven the relationship between peri-

odontal disease and general health,” says Dr. Liran

Levin, professor at the Faculty of Medicine and

Dentistry at the University of Alberta. “If you suffer

from periodontal disease, the bacteria in your gums

enters the bloodstream, and that can affect your

overall health. Moreover, the constant inflammation

in your mouth might have a dangerous effect on your

overall wellbeing.” The spread of bacteria can result

in an increased risk for heart attacks or strokes.

People with diabetes have a high risk of developing

gum disease, but the relationship goes both ways.

“Research also shows that having a serious gum

infection can make it more difficult for diabetics to

control blood sugar levels,” explains Dr. Levin.

2

No pain doesn’t always mean no

problem

In most cases, chronic gum disease

is painless, which means you won’t

always know when there’s a problem. “Apart from

minor discomfort and some swelling in the gums,

most patients don’t feel any pain or other noticeable

symptoms,” says Dr. Levin. The symptoms of peri-

odontal disease are muted, which means we usually

don’t seek help until it’s too late. “That’s why regular

check-ups are so important,” he adds.

3

You probably aren’t

flossing right

According to Dr. Levin, you have to be

very talented in the art of flossing for it

to be effective alone. Most of us are not. “There are

other instruments that you can use instead of floss-

ing to clean between the teeth, such as interproximal

brushes or dental toothpicks,” says Dr. Levin. “But we

need to be using them properly on a regular basis, not

letting them collect dust in the bathroom cabinet.”

This, on top of regular brushing with a toothpaste

focused on overall oral health, will help you maintain

optimal oral hygiene. “Make sure you get the proper

training from your dentist or dental hygienist every

time you visit them,” stresses Dr. Levin.

4

Your toothpaste matters

Not all toothpastes are created equal.

“Most fluoride toothpastes only protect

our teeth,” says Dr. Levin. “But we need to

take care of our whole mouth, including the tongue,

cheeks, and gums.”

Colgate Total recently launched a new formula, rein-

vented to deliver health to the whole mouth in a new

way. The toothpaste provides all the benefits of the

original formula (protection against plaque, gingi-

vitis, stains, tartar and cavities) and a few new ones,

including sensitivity relief, instant neutralization

of odours related to bad breath, and new flavours for

longer-lasting freshness.

5

Oral diseases are completely

preventable

The good news is that gum disease and

cavities are totally avoidable. Among

other things, focus on cleaning your teeth regularly

and effectively.

“The moment you stop brushing and cleaning your

teeth, bacteria start to accumulate, and if left alone,

they become strong enough to cause damage,”

explains Dr. Levin. “That’s why you have to mech-

anically remove plaque and bacteria at least twice

a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, interproximal

cleaning aid, and a fluoride-based toothpaste that

targets whole mouth health, like Colgate Total’s new

formula.”

When it comes to improving overall health, start

with your teeth first — it’s the easiest way to take

care of yourself!

Dr. Liran Levin

Professor of Periodontology,

Faculty of Medicine

and Dentistry,

University of Alberta