Gingivitis - who, me? More than 15 million Canadians have gingivitis – a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease – but only seven percent actually believe they have it. It’s tempting to assume this low-grade condition is so wide-spread, that it can’t be serious, right? Wrong. Research shows that oral health has a strong connection to overall health. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis, which has been linked to other health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia as well as pre-term and low birth-weight babies.
And guess what? Some of us are more at risk for gingivitis than others. Hormones from puberty, pregnancy and menopause can affect all bodily tissues, including gums. Gingivitis is also more prevalent among males than females and in diseases where the immune system is compromised, such as diabetes and anemia.
These are just a few reasons why the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and Johnson & Johnson Oral Health are sharing a five-year compilation of available research on gingivitis, including cross-country quantitative polls, clinicals and surveys with dental professionals.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the research supporting a relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is growing rapidly. Gum disease is both preventable and treatable, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends practicing good oral hygiene and treating gum infections promptly as this should improve overall health and may eventually lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.
“Encouraging Canadians to proactively improve their oral health is a priority,” said Marilyn Goulding, leading dental hygienist and educator. “Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable. So the message to Canadians is clear: just five minutes, twice a day, brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic essential oil mouth rinse is the necessary daily oral health routine.”
BFR: The New Routine
It’s true – your oral hygiene routine has evolved. First it was brushing. Then came flossing. Now comes rinsing. This three-step brush, floss and rinse routine – today’s gold standard – is grounded in science. Clinical research has revealed patients who added an essential-oil mouth rinse to their daily brushing and flossing routine experienced a clinically significant additional benefit in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
But here’s the rub: despite the fact that more than two-thirds of Canadians are aware of the importance of this three-step procedure, more than half still don’t follow the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association’s advice.
And, why is this? Some dental professionals say it comes down to awareness, education and even understanding what is being purchased, especially when it comes to the newest oral care routine addition: rinsing.
Which Mouth Rinse?
Selecting the right mouth rinse depends on individual needs. Mouth rinses tend to fall into two categories: therapeutic and cosmetic. Research shows adding a therapeutic essential-oil antiseptic mouth rinse to an oral hygiene routine reduces or prevents plaque and gingivitis by up to 34 per cent more than a routine without it. Unlike cosmetic rinses, which are primarily for masking bad breath, therapeutic mouthwashes have added health benefits, such as helping to prevent or reverse certain oral health conditions, like gingivitis, and reduce plaque build-up.
“Not all mouthwashes are created equally,” says Goulding. “Some rinses, like Listerine, contain thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, which are essential oils found in nature, and studies show these work naturally and effectively to reduce gingivitis. Alternatively, active ingredients can be chemically-based, such as newer formulas that contain Cetylpyridinum Chloride (CPC), but cause some people to experience side effects, such as teeth staining. So, I always recommend looking at the active ingredient before purchasing to my patients.”
SIDE BAR:
2008 RESEARCH COMPILATION HIGHLIGHTS:
Oral Health Impacts Overall Health
A growing body of clinical evidence from the dental and medical community reveals the link between oral health and overall health.
Oral Health Analysis. In 2000, a clinical study examined the links between periodontal disease and chronic disease calling for a new approach to periodontal medicine
Canadian Check-In. In 2004, four out of 10 Canadians believed gum disease was linked to systemic diseases (heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes)
Evidence Grows. Further systemic link evidence was revealed in a 2005 clinical study on the impact of dental disease on the heart
Gingivitis in Canada:
Five years ago, few Canadians had heard of gingivitis. Today, awareness levels have increased significantly, however there is still a need for focused education to encourage Canadians to be diligent in proactively combating this condition. Especially since gingivitis increases with age, and may be present in 80 percent of all seniors .
Gingi-What? Six out of 10 Canadians know that gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums from plaque build-up in the mouth. Albertans scored the highest across the country in correctly identifying gingivitis (73%) .
Ladies Unite! Women have a slight edge over men when it comes to oral health care and recognizing gingivitis – with 63% vs. men 57% .
Gingivitis.ca: Check out the world’s only comprehensive bilingual web site – now newly updated - dedicated solely to gingivitis education – www.gingivitis.ca.
Source: Listerine/CDHA
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