Sugar rush sparks dentists’ spotlight on gum health

WITH approximately 5.6 million sugar-laden Easter eggs expected to be eaten in the coming days, it’s little wonder the Irish Dental Association is highlighting the impact of oral health on our general health.

Eggs have been flying off supermarket and specialist chocolate store shelves for weeks but shop bosses still expect a rush this weekend.

For those on diets or a Lenten fast, it will be a chance to break out on the annual indulgences which contain about 2,000 calories - or the average daily calorie intake for women.

But such sugar overdoses can leave their mark on your teeth, not just your waistline.

The dental association’s president Gerry Cleary said: “People who suffer gum disease are at a greater risk of contracting heart disease than those with healthy gums. Taking care of your mouth can actually improve your overall health and in some cases save your life.”

According to dentists, links are also emerging between gum disease and lower birth weights.

Meanwhile, the importance of routine dental check ups to overall health will be underlined at the association’s annual scientific conference this month and particularly the role of check-ups in detecting cancer of the mouth.

Dentists are more likely to find oral cancer at an early stage of the disease’s development and an expert at the conference will speak about the importance of early detection for survival.

The effects of smoking on your mouth and teeth will also be underlined. The conference will take place at the RDS on April 27.