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The importance of gum health for your mouth and overall health.

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This year Dental Health Week takes place from the 5th to the 11th of August, focusing on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gum health.

Most of us know how important it is to take care of our teeth. However, it’s just as important to be aware of and care for the structures which surround and support them. Gums play a vital role as they safeguard the ligaments and bones that secure our teeth in place. Even though they’re not visible, without healthy gums, our teeth lack a stable foundation, leading to potential tooth loss. This underscores why gum disease remains a significant contributor to dental issues.

 

“Gum disease, or periodontitis is the most common non-infectious disease in the world affecting approximately 743 million people globally. It is a disease that doesn’t usually cause pain or have any clear symptoms until patients have lost so much bone and gum that their teeth start wobbling in their mouths and in some cases they even fall out! It is for these reasons that getting your dentist, therapist or hygienist to check your gums during your regular exam is so critical. Regular checks will make sure any changes are picked up early enough that you don’t risk having your teeth fall out because of advanced gum disease.” Dr Troy McGowan – Periodontist

 

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, affects millions of people worldwide and stems from bacteria residing in dental plaque. Gum disease starts as red, swollen and inflamed gums (gingivitis) which in susceptible patients can eventually develop into periodontitis.

1 in 4 Australians have gum disease also known as periodontitis*.

 

But I brush my teeth every day, how could I develop gum disease?

Although everyone has bacteria in their mouth not everyone develops gum disease. This is because in certain individuals, the body’s immune response can become overly reactive, leading to inflammation, swelling, and eventual irreversible gum and bone damage. This heightened sensitivity to dental plaque is known as susceptibility to periodontal disease and is why it is so important to have your gums checked regularly by an oral health professional.

 

Some people brush and floss twice a day and still get gum disease because of how reactive their gums are to the presence of bacteria. Other patients might brush once a day and floss every other day and never have any gum issues (but will likely have other tooth problems like decay). This susceptibility to gum disease can change with age, stress and other lifestyle factors and it is this variability that makes having a regular exam to check for gum disease so important.

 

There are five health conditions linked to our gums.

Inflammation of the gums can affect inflammation in other parts of the body and can affect conditions such as:

  1. Heart Disease- There is strong evidence linking severe gum disease and heart diseases due to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream and an overall increase in the body’s inflammation.
  2. Diabetes- There is a two-way relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes can increase an individual’s risk of developing severe gum disease, just as gum disease may negatively affect blood sugar levels.
  3. Alzheimer’s Disease- There are early links suggesting that severe gum disease (Periodontitis) may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline due to oral bacteria and an overall increase in inflammation.
  4. Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes- There is evidence of an association between severe gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low pre-term birth weights. This is thought to occur due to an overall increase in inflammation and gum disease bacteria traveling from the mouth to the placenta.
  5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease – There is early evidence indicating a link between severe gum disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

 

6 things you can do to look after your gums.

There are a few things you can do to care for your gums, most of them centred around the removal of plaque:

  • Focus on brushing where gums and teeth meet– angle the brush at 45° to clean beneath the gum line thoroughly.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric oscillating head toothbrush – these will clean your teeth more efficiently and effectively.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste– this will help protect your tooth enamel.
  • Replace your toothbrush regularly- worn bristles don’t clean as well, leaving more plaque behind and increasing the risk of your body over-reacting to the bacterial load.
  • Clean between your teeth with floss and/or interdental brushes- this will help to remove food and bacteria from nearly half the surface area of your teeth where brushing can’t reach.
  • Keep an eye out for any bleeding gums while you are brushing and flossing- bleeding gums or blood in your saliva after brushing or flossing may indicate early gingivitis or periodontitis. Rough fillings or tartar buildup under the gums can worsen gingivitis and it will usually only get worse unless you have a dentist, oral health therapist or hygienist address the actual cause of the issue.

 

If it’s been more than 6 months since you last saw a dentist for a check-up, prioritise your oral health by scheduling an appointment today. Book an appointment and ensure your teeth and gums are receiving the care they deserve.

 

* https://www.teeth.org.au/gum-diseases

Colouring-In Competition

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Dental Health Week 2024

Dental Health Week 2024 is fast approaching and to celebrate nib Dental Care is giving all kids the opportunity to win an electric toothbrush and show their teeth some love. Download and enter our Dental Health Week colouring-in competition for a chance to win.

Let’s Talk About Gums

Running from 5-11 August, Dental Health Week is a great reminder you to book your family in for their regular dental check-ups. Regular check-ups are important to help identify early signs of tooth decay and reduce major dental work in the future.

nib Dental Care centres are open extended hours and weekends with appointments that suit your schedule.

Book an appointment at your local nib Dental Care centre and don’t forget to check if your kids are eligible for over $1000 in free* dental thanks to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Download your Colouring-In Competition here

Terms & Conditions

  1. Instructions on how to enter this promotion form part of the terms and conditions of entry. By participating in this competition, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  2. The promoter is Pacific Smiles Group Limited (ABN 42 103 087 449) of 6 Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland NSW 2323.
  3. Entry is open to all Australian residents aged 18 years and under. Employees (and their immediate families) of the Promoter and its related companies are not eligible to enter.
  4. The promotion commences at 12:01am AEST on 29th July 2024 and closes at 11.59pm AEST on 18th August 2024 (Promotion Period).
  5. To enter, Eligible Entrants must complete step 6 during the Promotion Period. Incomplete, illegible, or indecipherable entries will be deemed invalid. One entry per person is permitted. By entering this promotion, you agree to receive information and marketing communications via email, mail, or phone.
  6. Entrants must upload an image of their completed colouring sheet and email to [email protected] or send by post Attention: Marketing, PO Box 2246, Green Hills NSW 2323. Only one entry per person will be accepted.
  7. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any Eligible Entrant whom the Promoter believes either has tampered with the entry process or has submitted an entry otherwise than in accordance with these terms and conditions of entry.
  8. The Promoter will not be held liable for any failure of receipt of entries. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any entries which are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete, or otherwise invalid.
  9. Winners will receive a Colgate ProClinical Electric Toothbrush valued at $50. There will be 5 prizes given away across all age groups.
  10. The prizes are as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The Prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer. The prize is not exchangeable, transferable or redeemable for cash. If the Promoter is unable to supply the nominated prize, the Promoter reserves the right to supply another prize of greater or equal value.
  11. The winners of the prizes will be notified on 26th August 2024 via telephone, then by email if no response.
  12. In the event that the prize is not claimed by 11:59pm AEDT on the 1st September 2024 the judges will select an alternate winner. In the event that the alternate winner does not claim their prize by 11:59pm AEDT on the 8th September 2024 then the prize will be forfeited by the winner and neither cash nor any other prize will be awarded in lieu of that prize.
  13. Eligible Entrants agree, at the Promoter’s request, to participate in any promotional activity (such as social media posts) surrounding this promotion or the winning of any prize. Eligible Entrants agree that they will not be remunerated for this participation. Eligible Entrants consent to the Promoter, its respective officers, employees, agents and associated companies using their name and image in any media in perpetuity, without limitation and without compensation to the Eligible Entrant.
  14. To the fullest extent permitted by law and without limiting any other conditions of entry, the Promoter may, in its discretion, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion. All Eligible Entrants participating in the promotion at the point of termination, modification or suspension of the promotion will be notified by the Promoter in writing. In the event of modification or suspension of the promotion, the Eligible Entrant may choose to terminate their participation in the promotion at no cost.
  15. Details from all entries, including an Eligible Entrant’s personal and contact details, will be collected and used for the purposes of conducting this promotion (which may include disclosure to third parties for the purpose of processing and conducting the promotion) and for publicity purposes surrounding this promotion. By entering this promotion Eligible Entrants consent to the use of their information as described. Eligible Entrants may access and/or change their data by following the procedures in the Promoter’s privacy policy which is available at https://nibdental.com.au/privacy-policy/.
  16. Failure by the Promoter to exercise any of its rights contained within these terms and conditions at any time does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
  17. Dental services are provided at nib Dental Care centres by independent Practitioners. nib Dental Care is owned and operated by Pacific Smiles Group Limited ABN 42 103 087 449.

Are you grinding your teeth?

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Ever wondered why your jaw feels sore when you wake up? Or why you can’t seem to shake that morning tension headache? Clenching, gritting and grinding your teeth can be an indication of emotional stress, amongst other things, and can lead to damaging your teeth. Here’s what you need to know to get on top of a jaw that works overtime.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, involves the excessive clenching and grinding of teeth, which can occur during sleep or even while awake. Often, individuals are unaware of this habit until it’s noticed by a family member or partner who hears the grinding noise.

 

What causes bruxism?

Bruxism is a relatively complex issue. The reasons why it occurs are varied and still not fully understood however there are a range of factors that can increase your risk of teeth grinding such as:

  • Emotional stress
  • Physical stress like illness
  • Anxiety
  • Snoring
  • Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea
  • Effects of smoking, alcohol or drug use
  • Teeth misalignment or abnormal anatomy of teeth or jaws
  • Changes in the jaw or dental occlusion
  • Certain medications

 

What are the symptoms of bruxism?

Symptoms of bruxism can vary and may include sensitive teeth, sore jaw muscles, headaches resembling earaches, tooth wear, cracked enamel, repeated tooth fractures, limited jaw movement, jaw clicking, or grinding noises during sleep.

 

What treatment is available for bruxism?

Treating bruxism early is important to avoid any significant dental complications. Although there are many possible causes for bruxism, treatment often depends on identifying and addressing its potential causes. This may involve stress management techniques or adjustments to your dental occlusion.

One common approach to minimising damage to your teeth is the use of an occlusal splint—a plastic guard worn over the teeth to prevent them from grinding against each other. Splints are typically worn at night but can also be used during the day if necessary.

If you know you grind your teeth, or if you suspect teeth grinding may be to blame for pain or other symptoms, book an appointment to speak to your dentist. Depending on the suspected causes, your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.

All you need to know about cracked teeth

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Teeth are made to be strong and flexible, but they can wear down over time. Sometimes, cracks, or tooth fractures, can develop, making teeth more likely to decay or break. Tooth cracks can appear horizontally, but are often more painful and require more complex treatment if cracked vertically. Vertical cracks also have a greater risk of affecting the tooth nerve.

Why do teeth get cracks?

Cracks are a sign of use, as well as teeth becoming less flexible as we age. When a tooth is decayed and filled it is never as strong as it once was, which is why cracks become more likely in teeth with fillings. Age and use are unavoidable causes of cracked teeth and when combined with clenching, grinding, amalgam fillings and force, can contribute to an increased risk of cracked teeth1.

Cracks can also develop from dental trauma like opening packages, chewing ice cubes and biting down on hard items such as olive seeds or nut shells.

 

How would I know if I have a cracked tooth?

Cracks are not always obvious or painful and you may not be aware you have a cracked tooth. In teeth with fillings, it is common for cracks to go unnoticed until the filling is being replaced1. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to book regular dental visits.

 

Avoiding cracked teeth?

Avoid using your teeth to open packages, biting down on hard items such as olive seeds or nut shells and chewing on ice cubes as well as, acidic and sugary sweets and drinks that can increase the risk of erosion and lead to cracks.

 

Symptoms of a cracked tooth

The size of a crack, where it is in the tooth and the direction it travels can influence what you may feel. Some common symptoms include:

  • Pain at times when biting down, but no pain when you stop.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • A feeling that your teeth are closer together than they were1.

 

What is the treatment for a cracked tooth?

Your dentist may use a special light to see if a crack is present. They will also assess the crack’s exact position in the tooth and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Sometimes fillings will need to be removed to assess how far a crack has extended and determine the best treatment.

 

Do all tooth cracks need treatment?

Surface cracks appear on the exterior of the tooth and can change how a tooth looks, but not necessarily how it functions. However, cracks which extend deep into the tooth may affect the nerve and require a root canal treatment.

Not all cracks need to be treated and sometimes they can be left alone. If a crack is small and not causing any symptoms, often a ‘wait and watch’ approach is recommended.

 

Book your next check-up at your nearest nib Dental to have your teeth checked and find out if you are at risk of cracked teeth. Early detection and treatment can often produce a better outcome.

 

 

1 https://teeth.org.au/cracked-teeth

Three things your dentist does differently to you

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Ever wondered why your teeth feel so clean after a visit to the dentist? While daily brushing and flossing are an essential part of your oral health routine, it can be challenging to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and know what’s happening beneath your gums. That’s where regular dental check-ups are beneficial as your dentist can examine what is happening beneath your crowns and between your teeth. The best part is, you get to sit back and relax while your dentist cares for your oral health.

Your teeth are complex structures, and while you can only see the part of your teeth above the gums (the crown), what’s happening below the gums and between your teeth is just as important. Without healthy and strong foundations, the risk of needing more extensive and costly treatments increases.

 

Using dental instruments

Your dentist can detect any early signs of common oral health issues which you often can’t see at home, including gum inflammation, infection, and more serious issues affecting the bone that holds teeth in place. With precision instruments, your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar with their ultrasonic or sonic scalers and hand-held curettes1. Your dentist will also use magnification glasses and an LED light to enhance their vision and ensure a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and tongue2.

 

So, what are the three things your dentist does differently compared to you?

1. Removal of plaque

Plaque is an invisible, sticky film that forms on the surface of teeth. It’s made up of bacteria and leftover food particles. This bacteria feeds on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that can damage tooth enamel.

Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, which if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and other health issues. Everyone gets plaque, especially after eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates, but over time, plaque build-up can harden and turn into a substance called tartar or calculus which cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush.

2. Removal of tartar

Tartar is rough and cement-like, making it easy for more plaque to hide under the gums where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. This buildup can lead to gum disease and other dental problems1.

Your dentist uses special hand instruments and an ultrasonic cleaner that vibrates at high speeds to loosen tartar from the tooth surface. Scalers use vibrations to loosen larger pieces of tartar and calculus. At the same time, it sprays a mist of water which washes away the debris, preventing it from re-sticking to your teeth. Curettes are the hook-shaped tool you might recognise from your dental visits.

Once the larger pieces of calculus have been removed, your dentist will switch to using hand instruments like this to scrape off smaller build-ups and run across the tooth surface to locate small deposits. Afterwards, the tooth surface can be quite rough, so your dentist may polish your teeth to smooth them out and remove any superficial stains that have built up.

3. Examining your teeth, gums and tongue

Your dentist will also examine each tooth, your gums, and your tongue. Healthy gums should fit snugly around each tooth and if they start to loosen, it can be an early sign of gum disease. Your dentist might use a small ruler to measure the space between your gums and teeth, checking for anything unusual.

 

 

What about X-rays?

Your dentist may request digital dental X-rays be taken of your teeth and gums during your check-up for concerns that cannot be seen by only looking inside the mouth. X-rays allow your dentist to see under the surface of the teeth and gums, helping to identify any dental decay, bone loss or fractures. They also help monitor how close the teeth are to the nerves and sinuses and the development of teeth under the gums, allowing your dentist to plan your dental treatments accordingly3.

How do dentists read X-rays?

There are a few different types of dental x-rays and the type of X-ray your dentist requests will depend on what they are looking for. Your dentist will examine your X-rays by:

  • Comparing your new and old X-rays- this allows your dentist to identify any changes in the condition of your teeth or jawbone over time.
  • Checking for any abnormalities- this may include a misaligned tooth or a cyst in the jawbone.
  • Comparing your left and right sides – this will help to highlight any potential issues and may make any problems easier to find.

 

Is this included in my check-up and clean?

Yes, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums at your regular appointments. Tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush and requires special dental tools and a procedure called a scale and polish. If you require tartar removal during your regular check-up, your dentist may recommend this to remove buildup. You may also receive a fluoride application to help reduce dental decay and decrease the sensitivity of your teeth.

 

What if I have dental extras? Is a scale and clean included in my check-up?

Eligible nib patients with dental cover are entitled to receive 100% back on preventative dental check-ups*, which include a scale and clean. Make sure to check your eligibility with your current health fund provider before booking your appointment.

Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings does more than just clean your teeth—it helps you take better care of your oral health. Book an appointment today so you can learn more about how to care well for your teeth.

 

*Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. 100% Back only for nib customers with policies which provide no gap and have sufficient benefits remaining. Check your cover at nib.com.au or call 13 14 63. The dental check-up includes examination (011, 012), scale and clean (114) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride (121) and bite-wing or periapical x-rays (022, maximum of 2 per year) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. 100% back dental excludes DentalPass members and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash. 

 

 

1https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning

2https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-happens-during-a-tooth-cleaning

3https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-x-rays 

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