Contributor: Associate Professor Sharon Liberali
This article discusses the mouth and whole body connection and the importance caring for our gums, not just our teeth, to help keep our teeth and smile healthy for life.
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), inflammatory bowel disease and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-term birth, and low birth weight.^
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.
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.
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.
You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by:
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: The connection between oral and general health, retrieved from https://ada.org.au/dental-health-week-the-connection-between-oral-and-general-health
Posted: Aug 07 2023
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© Copyright Health Partners. 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.
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