Union Street Dental Care

The British Dental Association puts patient safety first by recognising the importance of examination by a dentist before whitening treatments are provided.   Trading Standards Officers, now have a clear indication that they should pursue non-dentists who supply whitening products. Union Street Dental Care welcomes this announcement.  Patients safety is our ultimate aim- do not allow a non-dental professional to provide tooth whitening. Only a dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists (if trained and competent) should undertake tooth whitening.

The dangers associated with buying tooth-whitening products on the internet were highlighted in the latest issue of Which? The consumer watchdog found whitening products containing up to 44% carbamide peroxide for sale online, 150 times the EU limit …

Breast Cancer linked to gum disease

A new study suggests that women may be significantly more likely to suffer from breast cancer if they are missing teeth and have gum disease.

The study carried out in the Karolinska Institute in Sweden on over 3,000 patients concentrated on the 41 people who developed breast cancer.  It found that those who had gum disease and had lost teeth were 11 times more likely to go on to develop cancer.

As this appears to be the first study presenting such findings, the British Dental Health Foundation believes more needs to be done in order to confirm the results.

Gum disease – Evidence to link oral health with wider health issues.

There is a growing body of evidence to link oral health (gum disease) with wider health issues.  If a person has gum disease, it is thought that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, causing a higher risk of heart disease. The same principles affect those with diabetes, as people with the condition are more likely to pick up infections.

People with gum disease are also thought to be at greater risk of strokes – chest infections, and pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have a premature baby with low birth weight.

Private Dentistry  March  2011- vol:16 no 3 P 12