Oral and Kidney Health Linked?

Your oral health is very important for your body, it’s possible that your general health and well being could be severely affected by a lack of oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy means you not only avoid oral problems such as cavities, gum disease or losing teeth, but you could also avoid a number of other serious health problems.

The Link

Recent discoveries have strengthened the link between dental health and general health and well being. Now studies are showing the link between periodontal (gum) disease and kidney problems. These studies have shown that people who have gum disease are not only more likely to suffer from kidney disease, they also have a higher mortality rate than those who suffer from kidney disease alone. People who suffer from kidney disease are also more likely to experience a number of oral health problems.

Studies

One such study looked at gum health and kidney function indicators in a group of around 4000 adults aged over 40. Taking into account factors such as people who smoke and also their age, it was shown that those who had lost teeth had a much higher chance of suffering from chronic kidney disease than those who still had their natural teeth.

Those who suffer from kidney disease could also suffer from oral health problems. These problems include tooth loss, inflammation in both the mouth and salivary glands, gum disease, larger amounts of plaque, chewing problems, bone loss in the jaw, bad breath and a dry mouth.  

Another study examined data from around 14,000 patients, and showed that in 10 years the mortality rates of those who suffered from gum disease and chronic kidney disease was 41%, compared to 31% of those who suffered from chronic kidney disease alone. This is quite significant, if it is ascertained that this is a causal association then by controlling and treating gum disease it might be possible to improve the health of those with kidney disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common problem, three out of every four adults in the UK over the age of 35 suffer from it, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. A common symptom of gum disease is bleeding and/or sore gums during your daily tooth brushing. Other symptoms which are normally indicators of the early stages being untreated include bad breath, unusual or unpleasant tastes, loose teeth or gum abscesses.

You can help avoid gum disease simply by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing. Regularly visiting your dentist means you can get the heads up on any signs of gum disease, and if there are any, you can start taking measures to ensure it doesn’t become a severe problem. Your dentist is the best tool you have for fighting off gum disease.

If you’ve already suffered from gum disease, you can restore your smile using one of our restorative treatments, such as Dental Implants or Denture Implants. These treatments not only fill the gap in your smile, they also can help reduce bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth. Implant treatments aren’t only for people with gum disease, anyone who has lost teeth can have this treatment for a brilliant smile.

Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres is a dentist in Birmingham that offers Implant treatments and more. Call your local practice and talk to one of our friendly receptionists to book a check-up. We can check your dental health and if needed, we can discuss the plan for your treatment. 

Dental Implants vs Dentures

When it comes to making the decision between having dentures or having implants, it is advisable to first consider the potential advantages and disadvantages that either can bring you.

Advantages of Dentures

Dentures are a suitable option for those conscious of the financial impact replacing missing teeth will have. This is due to the fact that dentures are not only cost-effective, but are available on the NHS as well. In contrast to this, having dental implants can be expected to be costly.

The dentures of today can offer you comfort when worn, and they boast a natural appearance. 

Types of Dentures

Different types of dentures are also available to you.

The conventional full denture can be used following the removal of remaining teeth and the healing of tissues, while the immediate full denture is applied straight after the removal of remaining teeth. The third type, the partial denture, sits on a metal framework that fixes to your teeth. Anyone can have dentures, and, because they are custom-made inside a dental laboratory, you are sure to find dentures that suit you.   

Disadvantages of Dentures

It may be worth bearing in mind though, that initially an adjustment period with new dentures may be necessary. A feeling of awkwardness when wearing new dentures is not totally unlikely, while your eating and speaking might also be affected. Another difficulty that wearing dentures presents is that they may require rebasing, or may have to be remade or relined.

Advantages of Implants

Implants, on the other hand, afford you the opportunity to have replacement teeth with the kind of stability that conventional dentures cannot be expected to achieve. Implants are also appealing due to the fact that they are able to hold replacement teeth in the required position without necessitating the grinding down or preparation of other surrounding teeth. Plus, unlike dentures, implants are able to preserve the bone in the jaw. It is also true that implants are a sound option for individuals for whom conventional dentures and bridges are not comfortable or feasible, and they are capable of helping to maintaining the overall shape of your face, too.

Choosing the best option for you

Making the right choice for replacement teeth is a subjective one, governed by the needs of the individual as well as by what their bank balance is able to accommodate.

Besides the more practical matters, there is also the inevitable issue of cosmetic value. While the aesthetic impact of replacement teeth is significant, ultimately it is perhaps most important to carefully consider all factors and the possible changes made to your lifestyle.

With this in mind, it should perhaps be noted that it is implants that offer the stability and an overall natural quality that dentures are not quite able to provide. In addition, they do not need to be taken out frequently as dentures do, giving them a convenient edge which you are sure to appreciate.

The friendly staff at Midland Smile Centres are available to answer your questions and help you decide what is best for you. The MSC team are comprised of dedicated specialists based in multiple locations who are equipped with over 28 years of experience in dentures and dental implants and have performed over 5000 implant procedures.

To find out more about dentures and dental implants contact Midlands Smile Centres here.