Our Holistic Dentist explains the risks with hidden tooth infection

Is there something very dangerous hidden in your teeth? According to a new study from the University of Helsinki, the answer could be, “yes.” Infections at the tips of teeth are strongly associated with heart disease, according to researchers.

Dentist in Moonee Ponds warns of risks associated with hidden tooth infections

About the study

More than 500 adults with heart problems were analysed. First, researchers performed coronary testing followed by dental and periodontal evaluation. Signs of root tip infection (apical periodontitis) were found in more than half of the patients.

Findings, which were published in Journal of Dental Research included:

  • Patients with root tip infection are more likely to have coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome.
  • The link is the strongest among untreated patients in need of root canal therapy, who were 2.7 times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
  • The likelihood of coronary disease was just as high for patients with symptomless infections as those with symptomatic infections.

What does this mean to you?

Authors of the study believe that their findings establish root tip infection (apical periodontitis) as a risk factor for coronary disease. This adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence supporting the connection between oral and systemic health. It also highlights the importance of preventive care and regular dental checkups.

Hidden infections are among the problems that can only be discovered through diagnostic procedures. You may not feel any pain, or see any difference on the surface. However, the trained eye of a dentist or hygienist can spot subtle visual clues. X-rays will show substructure damage, even if there are no visual clues on the surface.

Your routine dental checkup is more important than you might think. If you are overdue for an exam, please call Smile in Style who have the best dentists in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury who understand these dangers on 03 8400 4104 Moonee Ponds or 03 8001 6021 Sunbury or book onlinehttps://www.smileinstyle.com.au/ to schedule an appointment.

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Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.