HSE say 50% – 90% of Irish have gum disease Smile Store

Can a Toothbrush save your life? Poor oral health linked to major health problems

Gum Disease affects 50% – 90% of Irish people at some point in their lives, according to the HSE.

Yes, you need to worry about it. Gum disease is linked with health problems ranging from heart attack to dementia.

Scientists continue to identify a growing list of severe health problems associated with poor oral health.

What starts as plaque can end in big trouble

Sticky plaque builds up hour by hour on your teeth. Eating or drinking anything with starches or sugars causes the bacteria in plaque to release tooth-destroying acids.

If these acids are not regularly brushed; flossed and rinsed away, their constant contact with teeth will begin to actually break down gum tissue.

Gums become red, swollen and inflamed, and may bleed when you brush. This level of gum disease is called gingivitis and is common in people who are a bit lax about taking care of their teeth.

If gingivitis goes unchecked, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe inflammation that affects the tissues connecting the tooth to the socket; the jawbone itself and even spread through the bloodstream to other areas of your body.

It’s this spreading of inflammation that is linked to severe health issues.

Worried? Here’s what you can do

You can prevent gum disease with good oral hygiene – this means religiously brushing your teeth at least twice a day; flossing food debris out from the gaps between teeth and getting a dental check-up twice a year.

If you are already experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as sore or bleeding gums, come in to the surgery as soon as possible so we can make sure the problem doesn’t get any worse.

We’ll make sure there’s nothing nasty going on in under the gum; give you a thorough professional cleaning; note any pockets around teeth or potential trouble spots and send you home with clear guidelines on how to look after your oral health.

Call Smile Store – Your Local Dental Specialists today at 021 432 0004 and we’ll book an appointment for you. If you already have symptoms, do not delay.