The link between gum disease and chronic health conditions

Did you know that just over 30% of Australian adults aged between 15-54 years have moderate to severe periodontal (gum) disease, and this increases up to a whopping 51% in the 55-74 age bracket?*

“Most people have heard of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease, but if left untreated, it can lead to Periodontitis which is a severe inflammatory infection that damages the soft tissue and bone around the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss,” says Associate Professor Sharon Liberali, Principal Dentist at Health Partners Dental.

Evidence shows that periodontal disease can impact heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, lung conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), sleep apnoea and aspiration pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-term birth, and low birth weight.^

How do I know if I have periodontal (gum) disease and how do you treat it?

One of the challenges with periodontal disease is that it is a “silent disease” with no or few symptoms until it is well advanced resulting in painful, red, bleeding or swollen gums.

“The dentist or dental hygienist diagnoses periodontal disease by measuring the ‘pocket depth’ around your teeth, and the treatment required depends on the stage of your periodontal disease and your overall health,” says Sharon.

The main goal of periodontal (gum) treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatments depend on the extent of the gum disease. All treatment requires that you maintain good daily oral hygiene.

How is Health Partners Dental addressing this?

Health Partners Dental has modified its approach to the prevention and management of periodontal disease, by including dental hygienists and oral health therapists in our team of experienced dental practitioners, and ensuring that all members get the benefit of their skills and experience. At your next check-up, you might notice that you are booked in with the Dental Hygienist or Oral Health Therapist as well as the Dentist.

“We recognise that more needs to be done to prevent periodontitis, that’s why we now recommend our patients to see a hygienist for a periodontal (gum) assessment as part of their regular check-up. Our members will enjoy a more focussed approach to the management of their oral health, especially their gum health,” Sharon says.

So, what exactly is a Dental Hygienist and an Oral Health Therapist?

A Dental Hygienist is a registered dental practitioner who is trained to diagnose and treat periodontal (gum) disease. They work with the Dentist, using a combination of preventative and educational methods to help you maintain optimum oral health.

Oral Health Therapists have dental hygienist skills but are also trained to provide high quality dental care to children, adolescents and young adults under the age of 18 years.

The importance of good Oral Health

You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit sugar intake.
• Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
• Visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up and the dental hygienist or oral health therapist for a periodontal assessment and professional clean.
• Quit smoking.

This is general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner for questions on your health or medical condition.

*Australian Dental Journal (2020), Periodontal diseases in the Australian adult population, retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co...; Department of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020), National Oral Health Plan 2015–2024: performance monitoring report, report retrieved from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/report...

^Australian Dental Association (2023), Dental Health Week, retrieved from https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth/dental-health-week