Cosmetic dentistry is rarely covered by insurance, but despite the cost and inconvenience, many people feel that a “smile makeover” is just as important as buying nice clothes or having attractive hair. For models, public relations executives and others who spend their careers in the public eye, a high-wattage smile could understandably be considered an important factor of their job.

 Advances in cosmetic techniques have also made it possible for dentists to repair damaged teeth without using amalgam or other unattractive metals. The materials used today, such as the new composite resins, “invisible” fillings, porcelain veneers and high-strength resin cements, are stronger, long lasting and do not change colour over time.  

Studies have shown that smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal itself immediately after surgery; this most recent study also showed that when a patient has periodontal plastic surgery, smoking can damage the ability of the procedure to stay intact over a long period of time.

The study followed 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers for two years to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke on the long term outcome of a treatment to help soft tissue reattach to the root surface of the teeth. After two years, residual gum recession around the area which received the dental surgery was greater in smokers compared to non-smokers.

The warning comes after an in-depth UK health study, published in the medical journal, Heart, found that young adults who lose their teeth to decay or gum disease are considerably more likely to die from heart disease in later life.

The study, led by Dr Yu-Kang Tu of the University of Leeds, followed more than 12,000 UK adults for up to 57 years, and revealed that those with a large number of missing teeth in young adulthood were one third more likely to die of heart disease than those with fewer teeth missing.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: ‘The Foundation has long held the view that a person’s oral health has a major effect on the rest of the body and there is mounting evidence to support that view.

‘People need to adopt a good oral healthcare routine for the good of their whole body as well as their mouth and that should include twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down how often they have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as the dentist recommends. Cleaning between the teeth is also important and should be done once-a-day using floss or inter-dental brushes.’

Scientists believe that the bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay and gum disease may enter the bloodstream and damage the blood vessel lining, or trigger inflammation in the body which leads to heart disease.

‘However, as this study shows, failing to take care of your teeth from a young age can lead to far bigger problems later in life. Anyone who is concerned about their oral health should ask their dentist for advice, while being careful to maintain a good oral healthcare routine on a day-to-day basis.’

Colgate recently surveyed 480 dental professionals about their patients’ gingival and periodontal health. Interestingly, the study highlighted that over 34% of dental professionals had seen an increase in levels of gingivitis and periodontitis, in their clients.

Furthermore, the dental professionals reported that 49% of their patients were not at all aware, or not very aware, of the overall state of their gum health.

This study proves that their should be a greater awareness of dental hygiene amongst a large proportion of the public.

Researcher Olga Garcia Martinez revealed: “Certain anti-inflammatorys such as paracetamol should be cautiously taken, especially in situations which require a rapid bone tissue regeneration, such as after placement of a prosthesis or dental implant. Other anti-inflammatorys which have no effects on bone growth should be used instead.”