I have always had healthy gums and teeth. Recently I went to the dentist, as it had been 7-8 years since my last visit. Going to the dentist just didn't become a priority once my kids were born. Life kind of got a little hectic and the focus became more about the kid's health rather than my own. Besides, my last dental check up was great. She told me my teeth were strong and I had healthy gums.
I fully expected another glowing report this time - I'm not sure why. So there I went, with confidence, into the chair. When the dentist came in to talk with me, I was surprised by what she said. First of all, she was talking to be about oral cancer. Then she talked to me about gum disease. I paused for a moment to make sure I was at the right place.
I thought dentists just cleaned your teeth, took x-rays and filled cavities. This was the first time a dentist was taking an active interest into the overall health of my mouth. I really didn't know how to react. At first, I thought she was just trying to make a few extra bucks from me and my insurance. But as I've talked to people about my experience, they echoed my story. Dentists are talking about making sure their patients have healthy gums, not just teeth.
It seems, the dental world has changed in the last decade. It is becoming much more, how should I say this, a sophisticated science. I was amazed at the conversation my dentist and I had. We talked about heart disease, oral cancer screening, gum disease, bone loss, etc. After my visit, I understood that healthy gums are a cornerstone for overall health. I also know why my parents each had about 4-5 crowns and rather fragile teeth. Their gums weren't very healthy.
Since I'm a respiratory therapist, the conversation turned to smoking and gum disease and other oral health concerns caused by smoking. Not only does smoking discolor teeth and cause bad breath, but it also puts the gum tissue in a constant state of inflammation. This is very similar to what happens in COPD/emphysema where the lung tissue remains inflamed. Normal healthy tissue was not meant to stay inflamed. This simply changes the entire dynamic of how the tissue relates to it's bony structures and it's normal bacteria flora.
Smoking also worsens tooth decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the tooth exhibits bone loss around the gum. This creates a pocket around the tooth where bacteria can eat away at the tooth even more. Eventually, this can lead to heart disease. I know, you're asking yourself, "heart disease, how?". Well, if you don't have healthy gums, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream around the tooth. Once in the bloodstream, it can go pretty much anywhere. It has been known to end up in the heart tissue and/or on the heart valves, and don't think for a minute that the risk is a remote one. As I said, dental science is becoming ever stronger and much more compelling.
There is so much more information on smoking and periodontal disease. Now, more than ever, we must help people understand that healthy gums should not be underestimated. There is a strong relationship between smoking and overall total-body health. And as the dentist explained it to me, much of it starts in the mouth, with keeping your gums healthy.
