CDHO brochure-FINAL FILM

For more information about oral health,

contact your dental hygienist.

(416) 961-62341-800-268-2346www.cdho.org

THIS BROCHURE WAS PRODUCED AS AN EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

BY THE COLLEGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS OF ONTARIO (CDHO).

References

1 Herzberg MC, Meyer MW. Dental plaque, platelets and cardiovascular diseases. Annals of Periodontology1998;3:151-160

2 Grau AJ, Buggle F, Zeigler C, et al. Association between acute cerebrovascular ischemia and chronicand recurrent infection. Stroke 1997;28:1724-1729

3 Scannapieco FA, Mylotte JM. Relationships between periodontal disease and bacterial pneumonia.J Periodontal 1996;67:1114-1122

4 Scannapieco, FA, Papandonatos GD, Dunford RG.Association between oral conditions and respiratorydisease in a national sample survey population. Annals of Periodontology 1998;3:257-261

5 Grossi SG, Genco RJ. Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus: a two-way relationship. Annals of Periodontology 1998;3:51-61

6 Offenbacher S, Katz VL, Fertik GS, et al. Periodontalinfection as a risk factor for pre-term low birth weight.J Periodontal 1996;67:1103-1113

YOUR GUIDE TO

PREVENTING AND TREATING

GUM DISEASE FOR

OVERALL HEALTH

YOUR GUIDE TO

PREVENTING AND TREATING

GUM DISEASE FOR

OVERALL HEALTH

Oral HealthMatters

from Head toToe

11

Your DentalHygienist

Your dental hygienist is an important member ofthe oral health care team, providing professionaltreatment and advice to help prevent gum diseaseand dental cavities, as well as to support and promote total wellness.

In Ontario, all dentalhygienists are registeredwith the College ofDental Hygienists ofOntario (CDHO), which regulates the profession toensure the public receives safe andeffective dental hygiene care. All practicingdental hygienists have been educated at a recognized university or community college dental hygiene program.

Watch for this pin, worn by Ontario’s dental hygienists.

Visit your Dental Hygienist.Oral Health Matters.

We all know that prevention is one of the keys to maintaining overall health.

We exercise and watch what we eat to helpreduce our risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. In much the same way, we should take good care of our oral (dental)health now to prevent gum disease and tooth loss later.

Why is this so important? The reasons are muchmore than cosmetic. While we once believedthe worst outcome of gum disease was toothloss, we now know that oral health mattersfrom head to toe.

Like smoking, elevated cholesterol or obesity,periodontal (gum and bone) disease may be a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions. In recent studies, gum disease hasbeen linked to:

• heart disease and stroke1,2

• pneumonia and other respiratory diseases3,4

• diabetes5

• premature, low birth weight deliveries6

How is this possible? For those with gum disease, the simple act of brushing the teeth or chewing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is believedthat these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, potentially worsening or causingother types of health problems.

2

Gums andOverall Health

According to some estimates, as many as 75 per cent of adults over the age of 30

may suffer from some degree of gum disease.

Gum disease begins with the formation of hard and soft deposits on the surface of the teeth.Over time, a build-up of bacteria called plaquecollects at the gum line, eventually hardening onthe teeth into calcium deposits called calculus(tartar).

With poor oral care, these bacteria can causeinflammation of the gums (gingivitis), penetratethe gum line and finally spread into the underlyingbone (periodontitis).

If unchecked, periodontal disease can lead tocomplete destruction of the tooth’s supportingtissues, abscesses and, ultimately, loss of the tooth.

310

Teenagers and Adults• A thorough cleaning of your mouth once or

twice a day is sufficient.

• BRUSHING: place your brush at a 45 degree angleto the junction between the tooth and gum,applying gentle pressure as you move the brushaway from the gums.Don’t forget tobrush your tongue(with or withouttoothpaste), where bac-teria build up. You should be spending aboutthree minutes each time you brush.

• FLOSSING: wrap 45 cm. (18 inches) of floss aroundyour middle fingers until you have a two-inchlength between them. With the thumb and

forefinger of each hand, guidethe floss gently and

carefully betweeneach tooth, using aback-and-forth

motion. Curve thefloss around each tooth

in a “C” shape and gently guide it up and under the gum line.

Seniors• Seniors can still get cavities, especially around

the roots of the teeth. Continue to brush andfloss regularly.

• Even if you wear dentures, it is still important toclean your mouth and get regular check-ups toprevent oral health problems.

HOW Gum DiseaseDevelops

5 Based on the condition of your teeth andgums, your dental hygienist will customize anoral hygiene program for your care betweenvisits and may advise on other matters relating to oral health, such as reducing sugarintake and smoking cessation.

BETWEEN VISITS

The personal oral hygiene program that you andyour dental hygienist develop should become adaily habit between office visits to control orreverse gum disease.

Less than five minutes, twice a day, is all it takesto maintain or improve oral hygiene.It’s never too late – or tooearly – to develop goodhabits.

Although your specificoral care program will vary according to a numberof factors, and should bedeveloped by you and your dentalhygienist, there are some general guidelines formaintaining good oral health at any age:

Infant Care• Give the infant plain water instead of milk or

sweet juices at naptime.

• Gently clean newly erupted teeth, gums andtongue with a gauze or washcloth.

Children• Familiarize children with oral cleaning habits.

• Parents may wish to clean the child’s teethbefore bedtime and allow the child to try brushing on his/her own in the morning.

• First visits to the dental hygienist are recommended at about age 2.

9

Gum Disease andYour Heart

Preventing gum disease may be good for your heart…

New research suggests gum disease may put you at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.In fact, according to some studies, the presence of gum disease could be a significant risk factor,comparable to smoking, family history and elevated cholesterol.

Studies have suggested that bacteria from diseased gums may travel through the blood-stream, potentially contributing to the formation ofartery-clogging plaques.

In one of more than five studies conductedrecently into the potential links between gum disease and the heart, a group of 1,200 U.S.

veterans was followed overa 35-year period.

The group underwent extensivemedical tests,including regular

dental check-ups. The study found that

men with moderate to severe gum disease weremuch more likely to suffer a stroke or from heartdisease than those with healthy gums.

Researchers also believe that gum disease maycontribute to infective endocarditis, a condition inwhich the interior lining of the heart and heartvalves become inflamed, possibly due to a bacterialinfection. If left untreated, this condition couldlead to a fatal infection.

4

5

Gum Disease andYour Lungs

Preventing gum disease may help youbreathe easier…

Traditionally, we have thought of smoking,advanced age, and the presence of other healthconditions that weaken the immune system, asrisk factors for lung disease. But scientists nowbelieve that gum disease mayalso be a significant riskfactor, increasing therisk of respira-tory infections, andpotentially worseningrespiratory diseases suchas pneumonia, bronchitis,emphysema and Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease (COPD).

Bacterial respiratory infections are caused by theaspiration or inhaling of germs from the mouthand throat into the lungs. When these germsreach the lower respiratory tract, they may causeinfections or worsen existing lung conditions.

Recent studies have found that bacteria found inthe oral cavity can travel to the lungs and causediseases such as pneumonia, particularly in people with gum disease.

8

What CanI Do?

If you have, or are at risk for one or more of these health conditions, it is particularlyimportant to pay attention to your oral health.

The good news is that with regular, properoral care, gum disease can be controlled oreven reversed.

THE DENTAL HYGIENE CHECK-UP

Visiting your dental hygieniston a regular basis is one of the most important steps you can take tomaintain or improveyour oral health.

Here’s what you can expect fromyour dental hygienist:

1 He or she will start by reviewing your medicalhistory with you to make sure there are nomedical conditions that could influence yourtreatment.

2 The next step is assessing the condition ofyour head and neck region, followed by yourtongue, gums, teeth and other areas of yourmouth. Any areas of concern will then bereferred to your dentist or physician.

3 You are then ready to have your teethcleaned (called “scaling”) to remove plaqueand calculus build-up. This is done usinghand instruments or a vibrating ultrasonicinstrument.

4 Some of your teeth may then be polished toremove any remaining stains. If needed, youmay receive a fluoride treatment to strengthenteeth, or other agents to desensitize them.

Gum Disease andDiabetes

Preventing gum disease may help youmanage the conditions associated with diabetes…

In recent years, we have learned that people withdiabetes are more prone to a variety of bacterialinfections, including gum disease, than peoplewithout diabetes. The latest research suggests therelationship between gum disease and diabetesmay be even stronger. Having gum disease may in fact worsen an existing case of diabetes, or putyou at increased risk for the complications associated with diabetes.

In one recent study, patients with diabetesrequired insulin treatment less often followingtreatment for their gum disease. In another study,it was found that severe periodontal disease mayincrease both blood sugar levels and the amountof time the body functions with high blood sugar,putting those with diabetes at increased risk forcomplications.

The results of these studies suggest severe gumdisease may be an important

risk factor in the progression of diabetes, and thatpeople with bothdiabetes and gum

disease shouldreceive regular treat-

ment from an oral healthprofessional to reduce inflammation of the gums.

7

Gum Disease andPregnancy

Preventing gum disease may be good for your baby…

Research has linked gum disease in women to an increased risk of premature delivery. In a recent study of more than 100 women who wereeither pregnant or had recently given birth, thewomen with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low birthweight baby than those with healthy gums.

(By comparison, combinedalcohol use and

smoking duringpregnancyincreases the

probability by 2.5 times.) Another

ongoing study of 2,000women has also found a similar increased risk.

What is the connection? Researchers believe thatbacteria from diseased gums enter the blood-stream during eating or brushing. These bacteriamay then affect the levels of prostaglandin (orPGE2), a biological fluid naturally present in awoman’s body. When the level of PGE2 rises significantly, usually in the ninth month of pregnancy, labour begins. But in women with serious gum disease, the level of PGE2 may rise toosoon, triggering early labour.

6

Gum Disease andDiabetes

Preventing gum disease may help youmanage the conditions associated with diabetes…

In recent years, we have learned that people withdiabetes are more prone to a variety of bacterialinfections, including gum disease, than peoplewithout diabetes. The latest research suggests therelationship between gum disease and diabetesmay be even stronger. Having gum disease may in fact worsen an existing case of diabetes, or putyou at increased risk for the complications associated with diabetes.

In one recent study, patients with diabetesrequired insulin treatment less often followingtreatment for their gum disease. In another study,it was found that severe periodontal disease mayincrease both blood sugar levels and the amountof time the body functions with high blood sugar,putting those with diabetes at increased risk forcomplications.

The results of these studies suggest severe gumdisease may be an important

risk factor in the progression of diabetes, and thatpeople with bothdiabetes and gum

disease shouldreceive regular treat-

ment from an oral healthprofessional to reduce inflammation of the gums.

7

Gum Disease andPregnancy

Preventing gum disease may be good for your baby…

Research has linked gum disease in women to an increased risk of premature delivery. In a recent study of more than 100 women who wereeither pregnant or had recently given birth, thewomen with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low birthweight baby than those with healthy gums.

(By comparison, combinedalcohol use and

smoking duringpregnancyincreases the

probability by 2.5 times.) Another

ongoing study of 2,000women has also found a similar increased risk.

What is the connection? Researchers believe thatbacteria from diseased gums enter the blood-stream during eating or brushing. These bacteriamay then affect the levels of prostaglandin (orPGE2), a biological fluid naturally present in awoman’s body. When the level of PGE2 rises significantly, usually in the ninth month of pregnancy, labour begins. But in women with serious gum disease, the level of PGE2 may rise toosoon, triggering early labour.

6

5

Gum Disease andYour Lungs

Preventing gum disease may help youbreathe easier…

Traditionally, we have thought of smoking,advanced age, and the presence of other healthconditions that weaken the immune system, asrisk factors for lung disease. But scientists nowbelieve that gum disease mayalso be a significant riskfactor, increasing therisk of respira-tory infections, andpotentially worseningrespiratory diseases suchas pneumonia, bronchitis,emphysema and Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease (COPD).

Bacterial respiratory infections are caused by theaspiration or inhaling of germs from the mouthand throat into the lungs. When these germsreach the lower respiratory tract, they may causeinfections or worsen existing lung conditions.

Recent studies have found that bacteria found inthe oral cavity can travel to the lungs and causediseases such as pneumonia, particularly in people with gum disease.

8

What CanI Do?

If you have, or are at risk for one or more of these health conditions, it is particularlyimportant to pay attention to your oral health.

The good news is that with regular, properoral care, gum disease can be controlled oreven reversed.

THE DENTAL HYGIENE CHECK-UP

Visiting your dental hygieniston a regular basis is one of the most important steps you can take tomaintain or improveyour oral health.

Here’s what you can expect fromyour dental hygienist:

1 He or she will start by reviewing your medicalhistory with you to make sure there are nomedical conditions that could influence yourtreatment.

2 The next step is assessing the condition ofyour head and neck region, followed by yourtongue, gums, teeth and other areas of yourmouth. Any areas of concern will then bereferred to your dentist or physician.

3 You are then ready to have your teethcleaned (called “scaling”) to remove plaqueand calculus build-up. This is done usinghand instruments or a vibrating ultrasonicinstrument.

4 Some of your teeth may then be polished toremove any remaining stains. If needed, youmay receive a fluoride treatment to strengthenteeth, or other agents to desensitize them.

5 Based on the condition of your teeth andgums, your dental hygienist will customize anoral hygiene program for your care betweenvisits and may advise on other matters relating to oral health, such as reducing sugarintake and smoking cessation.

BETWEEN VISITS

The personal oral hygiene program that you andyour dental hygienist develop should become adaily habit between office visits to control orreverse gum disease.

Less than five minutes, twice a day, is all it takesto maintain or improve oral hygiene.It’s never too late – or tooearly – to develop goodhabits.

Although your specificoral care program will vary according to a numberof factors, and should bedeveloped by you and your dentalhygienist, there are some general guidelines formaintaining good oral health at any age:

Infant Care• Give the infant plain water instead of milk or

sweet juices at naptime.

• Gently clean newly erupted teeth, gums andtongue with a gauze or washcloth.

Children• Familiarize children with oral cleaning habits.

• Parents may wish to clean the child’s teethbefore bedtime and allow the child to try brushing on his/her own in the morning.

• First visits to the dental hygienist are recommended at about age 2.

9

Gum Disease andYour Heart

Preventing gum disease may be good for your heart…

New research suggests gum disease may put you at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.In fact, according to some studies, the presence of gum disease could be a significant risk factor,comparable to smoking, family history and elevated cholesterol.

Studies have suggested that bacteria from diseased gums may travel through the blood-stream, potentially contributing to the formation ofartery-clogging plaques.

In one of more than five studies conductedrecently into the potential links between gum disease and the heart, a group of 1,200 U.S.

veterans was followed overa 35-year period.

The group underwent extensivemedical tests,including regular

dental check-ups. The study found that

men with moderate to severe gum disease weremuch more likely to suffer a stroke or from heartdisease than those with healthy gums.

Researchers also believe that gum disease maycontribute to infective endocarditis, a condition inwhich the interior lining of the heart and heartvalves become inflamed, possibly due to a bacterialinfection. If left untreated, this condition couldlead to a fatal infection.

4

According to some estimates, as many as 75 per cent of adults over the age of 30

may suffer from some degree of gum disease.

Gum disease begins with the formation of hard and soft deposits on the surface of the teeth.Over time, a build-up of bacteria called plaquecollects at the gum line, eventually hardening onthe teeth into calcium deposits called calculus(tartar).

With poor oral care, these bacteria can causeinflammation of the gums (gingivitis), penetratethe gum line and finally spread into the underlyingbone (periodontitis).

If unchecked, periodontal disease can lead tocomplete destruction of the tooth’s supportingtissues, abscesses and, ultimately, loss of the tooth.

310

Teenagers and Adults• A thorough cleaning of your mouth once or

twice a day is sufficient.

• BRUSHING: place your brush at a 45 degree angleto the junction between the tooth and gum,applying gentle pressure as you move the brushaway from the gums.Don’t forget tobrush your tongue(with or withouttoothpaste), where bac-teria build up. You should be spending aboutthree minutes each time you brush.

• FLOSSING: wrap 45 cm. (18 inches) of floss aroundyour middle fingers until you have a two-inchlength between them. With the thumb and

forefinger of each hand, guidethe floss gently and

carefully betweeneach tooth, using aback-and-forth

motion. Curve thefloss around each tooth

in a “C” shape and gently guide it up and under the gum line.

Seniors• Seniors can still get cavities, especially around

the roots of the teeth. Continue to brush andfloss regularly.

• Even if you wear dentures, it is still important toclean your mouth and get regular check-ups toprevent oral health problems.

HOW Gum DiseaseDevelops

11

Your DentalHygienist

Your dental hygienist is an important member ofthe oral health care team, providing professionaltreatment and advice to help prevent gum diseaseand dental cavities, as well as to support and promote total wellness.

In Ontario, all dentalhygienists are registeredwith the College ofDental Hygienists ofOntario (CDHO), which regulates the profession toensure the public receives safe andeffective dental hygiene care. All practicingdental hygienists have been educated at a recognized university or community college dental hygiene program.

Watch for this pin, worn by Ontario’s dental hygienists.

Visit your Dental Hygienist.Oral Health Matters.

We all know that prevention is one of the keys to maintaining overall health.

We exercise and watch what we eat to helpreduce our risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. In much the same way, we should take good care of our oral (dental)health now to prevent gum disease and tooth loss later.

Why is this so important? The reasons are muchmore than cosmetic. While we once believedthe worst outcome of gum disease was toothloss, we now know that oral health mattersfrom head to toe.

Like smoking, elevated cholesterol or obesity,periodontal (gum and bone) disease may be a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions. In recent studies, gum disease hasbeen linked to:

• heart disease and stroke1,2

• pneumonia and other respiratory diseases3,4

• diabetes5

• premature, low birth weight deliveries6

How is this possible? For those with gum disease, the simple act of brushing the teeth or chewing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is believedthat these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, potentially worsening or causingother types of health problems.

2

Gums andOverall Health

For more information about oral health,

contact your dental hygienist.

(416) 961-62341-800-268-2346www.cdho.org

THIS BROCHURE WAS PRODUCED AS AN EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

BY THE COLLEGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS OF ONTARIO (CDHO).

References

1 Herzberg MC, Meyer MW. Dental plaque, platelets and cardiovascular diseases. Annals of Periodontology1998;3:151-160

2 Grau AJ, Buggle F, Zeigler C, et al. Association between acute cerebrovascular ischemia and chronicand recurrent infection. Stroke 1997;28:1724-1729

3 Scannapieco FA, Mylotte JM. Relationships between periodontal disease and bacterial pneumonia.J Periodontal 1996;67:1114-1122

4 Scannapieco, FA, Papandonatos GD, Dunford RG.Association between oral conditions and respiratorydisease in a national sample survey population. Annals of Periodontology 1998;3:257-261

5 Grossi SG, Genco RJ. Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus: a two-way relationship. Annals of Periodontology 1998;3:51-61

6 Offenbacher S, Katz VL, Fertik GS, et al. Periodontalinfection as a risk factor for pre-term low birth weight.J Periodontal 1996;67:1103-1113

YOUR GUIDE TO

PREVENTING AND TREATING

GUM DISEASE FOR

OVERALL HEALTH

YOUR GUIDE TO

PREVENTING AND TREATING

GUM DISEASE FOR

OVERALL HEALTH

Oral HealthMatters

from Head toToe