Teeth

How gums give answers

The mouth can give an indication of other illnesses that may be occurring in the body, explains Expat Dental’s DR CLARA GIBSON, a dentist experienced in complex orthodontic treatments.

“For example, conditions such as Crohn’s disease, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine diseases and acid reflux all show clinical signs in the oral cavity.”

And, while periodontal gum disease is associated with bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth, she says there is now growing evidence that the effects are also more indicative of what’s going on in the body as a whole.

“Poorly controlled gum disease is known to make it harder to manage diabetes mellitus and, conversely, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to worsening of gum disease,” says Dr Gibson. “There is also increasing evidence that gum disease can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. The inflammation in the gums allows bacteria to enter into the bloodstream, causing other cardiac issues.”

A regular dental check-up, she says, could help pick up diseases that are occurring in the body, thus allowing more prompt management.

“The reassuring news is that your dentist is trained to identify any signs of disease, whether in the teeth, gums, soft tissue or lymph nodes in the head and neck. Regular reviews ensure that they will quickly detect any new findings and can help manage these with you. There is no doubt that maintaining good oral health can positively impact your overall health.”

Tooth alignment: More than aesthetics

Getting your teeth straightened can do more than just improve your smile. When teeth are too crowded, it may be hard to keep the surrounding gums clean; they can often become inflamed and red – signs of periodontal disease, an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums. Aligning your teeth helps the gums to provide the best possible foundation for your teeth. That way, you have the strongest possible protection against periodontal problems, which can range from mild redness, swelling of the gums (gingivitis) and bleeding when you brush, to complete damage to the support structure of a tooth, and eventual tooth loss.

Of course, straight teeth means better cleaning and flossing. So, straightening any crowded teeth can make tooth-brushing more effective and easier to maintain good oral hygiene, explains Dr Gibson.

“Patients with crooked or crowded teeth often complain that they find it hard to keep their teeth and gums clean. They may notice bleeding gums when brushing, which is an early sign of gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist can also help you to find the best brushes to clean around your teeth.

In addition to resolving hygiene issues, orthodontic treatment can help boost confidence, thus benefiting your mental health. In fact, studies have shown that having a better smile not only increases how much you smile, but also improves your confidence and lowers your stress levels.

Stress symptoms

Not only does stress affect our physical and mental health, but it can have a big impact on our oral health as well, says DR BRENDAN GIN, an Australian dentist at Smilefocus. Stress often manifests with clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism); this, in turn, can lead to headaches, tired jaws, premature wearing of the enamel leading to increased sensitivity, and even a stiff neck.

“Most people with bruxism are unaware they are grinding or clenching, as it often occurs at night during sleep; but, daytime bruxism is also common. Over 30 percent of the population is affected by this disorder and the trend is on the rise,” says Dr Gin.

Since it’s impossible to eliminate stress from our lives completely, Dr Gin says bruxism can be best managed when detected early. A custom-made mouth splint (or dental splint), he says, is often recommended. Worn at night, the splint can relieve pain by helping to improve the position of the jaw joint – known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) – thus reducing stress elsewhere in the jaw and surrounding facial muscles.

“If you think you or a loved one may be a ‘bruxer’, make an appointment to see your dentist, who can review and recommend accordingly.”

Signs of a sleep disorder

Did you know that dentists can spot signs of a sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? The condition, which can affect both adults and children, causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, reducing oxygen flow to the brain. If untreated, OSA can have a number of long-term health complications including high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions and memory loss, not to mention daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.

OSA can lead to dental problems, too. For children with OSA, mouth-breathing is very common and has easily recognisable dental effects, says DR ZANELLE HARRIS of Expat Dental.

“These children often have a dry mouth with increased plaque build-up and gum irritation. Your dentist may also note that your child has a narrowing of the upper jaw or large tonsils.”

Other problematic dental effects for children may include over-bites and reduced lower jaw growth.

“While your dentist may not be able to definitively diagnose the condition, signs and symptoms recognised during regular dental check-ups can help them decide if a referral to a sleep specialist or ENT is necessary,” says Dr Harris.

“If you think that you or your little one may be suffering from difficulty breathing while asleep, your dentist may be able to help. Dental treatments directly aimed at correcting the effects of mouth breathing can help alleviate breathing restrictions.”