People warned over dangers of gum disease.

Research from the US has pinpointed gum disease as being one risk factor for poor general health that could lead to a person prematurely dying.

Dr James McAnally, director of the Healthy Heart Dental Program, revealed new evidence highlighting the importance of good oral health in maintaining physical wellbeing.

He showed that taking the time to get regular check-ups from the dentist could dramatically improve a person’s health and increase their lifespan in the process.

Elsewhere, the American Academy of Periodontology recently published advice regarding a number of misconceptions surrounding gum disease.

It noted anyone who has bleeding gums should be aware that this is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and could be an indicator of other underlying dental health issues.

However, the organisation claimed any teeth that are lost to gum disease can still be replaced either through a bridge or dental implant.

Brits advised on the importance of good oral health.

Oral hygiene cannot be stressed enough as it is intrinsically linked to overall health and wellbeing, it has been claimed.

Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that gum disease can have serious adverse effects on the rest of the body – not just the gums – and this can be particularly devastating in pregnant women, as the illness has been linked to an increased likelihood of still birth.

Chris Davenport, a dental hygienist and chief executive officer of On-Site Dentistry, told the publication: “Too often we don’t take oral hygiene seriously enough. We think it’s just about bad breath. But I think there are some studies out there that can’t be ignored.”

Elsewhere, the American Academy of Periodontology recently noted that anyone who has bleeding gums should be aware that this is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and could be an indicator of other underlying dental health issues.

However, the organisation claimed that advances in dental technology – such as dental implants – now mean teeth lost to gum disease can be replaced.

Gum disease facts for those who do not understand the affliction.

A number of common misconceptions surrounding gum disease have been dispelled by the American Academy of Periodontology.

The organisation noted that anyone who has bleeding gums should be aware that this is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and could be an indicator of other underlying dental health issues.

In addition, it addressed the issue that a tooth lost to gum disease cannot be replaced. This is not the case, as advances in dental technology – such as dental implants – now mean these teeth can be replaced.

Elsewhere, research carried out by Professor Saso Ivanovski at Brisbane’s Griffith University has shown that harvested cells surrounding ligaments around the teeth of sufferers can be used to regenerate lost tissue, ABC News reported.

He noted that one in ten sufferers of gum disease end up losing teeth and this treatment could be one way of addressing this statistic.

People who smoke could be severely damaging their oral health.

Smokers have been warned that the habit could be damaging to their oral health.

Cosmetic Dentistry Guide reported New Jersey emergency dentistry professional Dr Sherzoy, who practices in Bergen County, said that smoking can cause both tooth and bone loss in the jaw.

He noted the habit causes bad breath, tooth discolouration, inflammation of saliva producing glands, increased build-up of plaque and increased risk of developing leukoplakia – white patches within your mouth.

Elsewhere, cosmetic dentist Dr Thomas Connelly told the Huffington Post that having poor oral health could be a reason many people fail to get a good night’s sleep.

He noted people could be unaware of the fact they suffer from bruxism – otherwise known as teeth grinding – and this could be causing them to miss out on a key phase of the sleep cycle.

Gum disease sufferers could soon have a new treatment carried out to help restore their gums.

A breakthrough treatment is under development that could help sufferers of periodontal disease.

Research carried out by Professor Saso Ivanovski at Brisbane’s Griffith University has shown that harvested cells surrounding from ligaments around the teeth of sufferers can be used to regenerate lost tissue, ABC News reported.

Professor Ivanovski said: “It’s really addressing the after-effects of the disease rather than the treatment as such – so in effect, you are reversing the effects of the disease.”

He noted that one in ten sufferers of gum disease end up losing teeth and this treatment could be one way of addressing this statistic.

Elsewhere, dental surgeons in the US are pioneering a treatment which entails a small laser being used to kill bacteria in the mouth, while stimulating recovery in healthy tissue in order to tackle gum disease.

Periodontist Dr Robert Yu claimed the surgery is relatively straightforward and the treatment can help dramatically reduce the impact of gum disease on an individual’s health.

A new laser treatment has been developed to tackle gum disease.

A new treatment which uses laser technology to treat gum disease has been developed in the US.

Dental surgeons in the US are pioneering a treatment which entails a small laser being used to kill bacteria in the mouth, while stimulating recovery in healthy tissue.

Periodontist Dr Robert Yu commented: “The laser kills disease-causing bacteria below the gums, while leaving healthy tissue alone. Studies show it helps regenerate lost gum and bone.”

He added the surgery is relatively straightforward and there is “very little bleeding”.

Elsewhere, periodontist Dr Roger Parkes recently told the Clarion Ledger that if gum disease is left untreated, it can pose a serious risk to a person’s health.

He noted signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily even with gentle brushing, bright red or red-purple colour to the gums, bad breath, swollen gums that may be tender to the touch and abscesses.

Gum disease can cause many health problems for a person.

Gum disease or gingivitis poses a major threat to a person’s health if left unchecked, it has been claimed.

When the illness becomes acute, toxins created by bacteria in the mouth could enter the bloodstream, causing problems throughout the body, including increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily even with gentle brushing, bright red or red-purple colour to the gums, bad breath, swollen gums that may be tender to the touch and abscesses.

Periodontist Dr Roger Parkes noted: “Periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in people over the age of 30 and has also been linked to osteoporosis, lung problems, diabetes and premature births.”

Elsewhere, Dental Plans recently reported research published in the US journal Pediatric Dentistry revealed the breakfast foods that was found to be the most damaging to the teeth are those which contain both raisons and bran, as they lead to the creation of the greatest amount of acid in the mouth.

Brits warned to take care when brushing their teeth.

Brits have been advised to take care when brushing their teeth, as failure to do so could see them needing to make a trip to the emergency dentist.

The Irish Independent reported many people brush their teeth too hard and this can be one of the most damaging actions a person can take.

Over-brushing or doing so too vigorously can wear down the enamel of the teeth and this in turn can lead to increased sensitivity or a greater likelihood of decay.

Furthermore, failing to brush properly can result in an increased chance of developing gum disease. Signs of gum disease include swollen gums, bleeding after brushing, bad breath or loose teeth.

However, some toothpastes could also be to blame, as ones that are too abrasive – such as some “tartar control” pastes – can damage both the enamel and the gums.

Elsewhere, the Victoria Advocate recently reported misaligned teeth can be a major cause of tooth loss and this is why grinding of teeth can be a serious problem.

Toothbrush technology has moved forward in recent years.

A Miami dentist has highlighted some of the new toothbrush technology which is presently available on the market.

The Merced Sun Star reported Dr Ewaldo Wendler noted toothbrush technology has come a long way in the last few years, as electric brushes have become more powerful and better at removing plaque and food debris in the mouth.

Furthermore, many manual brushes have also been created that enable the user to get a better clean than ever before.

One of the major developments in recent years has been the introduction of the tongue scraper on the back of the head of the brush, as this allows individuals to easily remove more bacteria when brushing their teeth.

Elsewhere, research from the British Lingual Orthodontic Society recently revealed there is a growing trend for braces appearing across the UK, with celebrities such as Cheryl Cole flying the flag for braces wearers.

Ms Cole recently underwent an Invisalign treatment that helped her straighten teeth and give her her Hollywood smile.

Certain foods are better for oral health than others.

A US dentist has offered some advice to people looking to improve their overall oral health by knowing what foods will cause them the greatest emergency dentistry problems.

Lisa Harper Mallonee, a dental hygienist and dietician who is also a professor at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, said slow dissolving, sugary foods – like hard candies – are especially bad for the teeth as they do not allow the mouth to regain a neutral pH level for a long time.

She commented: “In dentistry, we look at three major nutritional issues: the forms of the food, the frequency of consumption and the timing.”

As a result, it is important to separate meals throughout the day and to ensure sticky foods are cleaned off the teeth as quickly as possible after consumption.

Elsewhere, research carried out by Aquafresh recently revealed 52 per cent of all Americans feel they are not getting the best out of their present oral health routine.