Dental Hygienist
Ever wondered why your dentist keeps telling you to get your teeth cleaned and advising you to regularly see a dental hygienist?
The simple fact is we are living longer and unlike decades ago, we are retaining our teeth.
The result is we are seeing an increase in Gum disease (periodontal disease).
Gum Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease just like diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease.
There is NO cure, and the condition can only be managed; and like all diseases, gum disease progresses.
As we age other health complications come into play, although we cannot predict future diseases we can plan for them.
Health issues can affect your mouth and some medications will dry out your natural defence – as such your risk of dental disease will increase.
Issues like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke, may leave you unable to coordinate as well as you once did. This can have a detrimental effect on oral health.
It is easy when you are young to think: "My mouth is fine. What’s the problem?"
Yes, your mouth is fine...for now.
Unfortunately, as you get older, things crop up: grey hair, no hair, aches pains, diagnosis of medical conditions.
The list of possible complications is endless, and the future is unknown.
However, if you do nothing else, get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.
This is a long game and if you are getting your teeth professional cleaned you can maintain good oral health for years to come.
Plan ahead and you will be blowing out your candles at your 100th birthday with all your teeth.