Liran Levin
Professor of Periodontology – Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta
Oral health problems can translate into general health problems, but most are completely preventable. Take charge of your health by learning the most common misconceptions about dental health and how to get ahead of them.
Oral health is a standalone issue
Many people think that having sore teeth or inflamed gums are isolated issues, but that’s not the case. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy is important to your overall health and well-being.
“Chronic inflammation in the mouth, caused by bacteria buildup along the gum line, is no different from inflammation anywhere else in your body,” says Dr. Liran Levin, a professor of periodontology in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. “It triggers an immune response, and research has demonstrated a link between gum disease and conditions like diabetes.”
Women and men have exactly the same dental concerns
Thanks to hormonal shifts throughout the different stages of life, women have unique oral health concerns. “Changes in hormone levels through menstrual cycles, menopause, and pregnancy can sometimes create a more intense response to inflammation,” explains Dr. Levin. “There’s also some preliminary research that suggests periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to certain adverse pregnancy outcomes.”
It doesn’t matter which toothpaste you use
Dentistry has come a long way, but not every product has caught up to the research. Colgate recently launched a new Colgate Total paste, which has a new formulation that does more to protect whole mouth health. It was created in order to be a more comprehensive oral health solution, including prevention of cavities and gingivitis, bad breath, and sensitivity.
Dental issues are inevitable with aging
If you think you’re bound to lose your teeth because that’s what happened to an older relative, think again. With good oral hygiene habits, the right products, and regular visits to the dentist, you have every chance of holding onto a healthy set of teeth well into your senior years.
