• How often should I get a dental check-up?
• Is having a healthy mouth really that important for general health?
• How will my pregnancy affect visits to the dentist?
• Does diabetes have an effect on oral health?
• When should I consider antibiotic cover?
• When should I remove my wisdom teeth?

How often should I get a dental check-up?

You should get a dental check-up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. Going to your regular check-up will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as cavities. The best way to prevent bad breath and periodontal (gum) disease, which has been linked to heart disease, is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Is having a healthy mouth really that important for general health?

Another good reason to visit your dentist is that recent studies have shown that maintaining good oral health helps prevent cardiovascular disease or strokes. An Australian study noted a significant reduction in the risk factors for cardiovascular disease following treatment of severe gum disease. Even more interesting, a Canadian Study has shown that chemicals in red wine help prevent and treat gum disease, and reduce the risk of heart disease . So with a little help from your dentist and a glass of red wine, you are more likely to be merry and live longer.

How will my pregnancy affect visits to the dentist?

During pregnancy the change in hormones increase the blood flow to the gums causing them to become inflamed. So it is important to have good oral hygiene and visit the dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning. More involved dental treatments should be done before conception or after the first trimester. Research has found that pregnant women with severe gum disease have a higher risk of going into premature labor or giving birth to babies with low birth weights.

Does diabetes have an effect on oral health?

With diabetes there is a thickening of blood vessels. This can impair the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes, which can weaken the gums, making them more susceptible to infection. In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, higher glucose levels in the mouth fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease. So, for diabetics regular dental check-ups are vital. Research suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar in the body, which can cause life threatening complications for diabetics.

When should I consider antibiotic cover?

The mouth is full of bacteria and when contained within the mouth it remains harmless. But complications may occur if the same bacteria enter the blood stream through the gums. If you have a heart murmur, heart valve replacement, or artificial joint like a knee or hip replacement, you should consider taking a course of antibiotics before a dental procedure. This will prevent bacteria from lodging in the given area and potentially causing a life threatening situation.

When should I remove my wisdom teeth?

Many people have jaws that are too small to accommodate wisdom teeth. So if all the other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly. If part of the wisdom tooth has appeared through the gum and part of it is still covered, the gum may become sore and swollen, known as pericoronitis. If the problem persists, it may be better to have the tooth removed. Wisdom teeth are best removed at a younger age because younger patients have a faster healing capacity, and softer bone allowing for easier removal. This is not to say that wisdom teeth cannot be removed much later in life, but there is an increased risk of complications.

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