Gum diseases: Dentist counsels on regular scaling, polishing of teeth

A dentist, Dr Lekan Adeyanju, on Tuesday advised people to go for regular scaling and polishing of their teeth to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. Adeyanju, who works with the Omega Dental Clinics, Surulere, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said: “Teeth scaling and polishing are recommended twice a year to remove hard deposits of tartar, plague and tartar which normal tooth brushing and flossing cannot remove.

“This makes the teeth and the gums stronger, cleaner and healthier, and also helps you to maintain good oral health.

“Scaling and polishing leave the surface of the teeth smooth and clean so that bacteria will not be able to stick to them.

“Teeth scaling and polishing is considered as a form of oral preventive medicine and should form part of dental hygiene plan with the aim of keeping the teeth clean and healthy.

“With scaling and polishing, you have better chance of keeping the teeth clean during regular personal care which should involve tooth brushing, flossing and use of mouthwashes.”

Adeyanju said that gum diseases could increase the risk of health complications including stroke, diabetes and heart diseases.

“Gum disease is caused by bacteria from dental plagues and build-ups.

“Dental plague and bacteria house bacteria that release toxins which cause inflammation to the gum tissue and surrounding bones resulting in gum disease,” the dentist said.

He listed signs of gum disease to include bad breath, tooth loss, receding teeth, red and swollen gums, and bleeding gums.

Adeyanju advised people to maintain healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of gum diseases.

“If you smoke, you should quit smoking because it increases the risk of gum disease.

“Maintaining a healthy balanced diet is also important.

“Eating healthy and good nutrition helps the immune to fight infection,” he said. NAN

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