With winter coming on, the threat of dental infections, as with other illnesses appears to increase. Most of us sail through the summer months with few problems, then as autumn sets in so do colds, coughs, sore throats and dental infections. Does it have to be like this? I don’t believe it does. There are a variety or precautions that we can take to help us through the winters months, many of them the same whether treating a cold or a gum problem.

Through the summer, we eat good food, take more exercise and spend plenty of time outside, boosting our immune system. Then it gets cold and an open fire, a cosy chair and the TV become an attractive option. All of a sudden the tooth that had been grumbling throughout the year flairs up, the gums bleed more and swell, teeth begin to ache and abscesses form. Quite often at this time of year you will find that one of your root fillings fail.

So what can you do? Well obviously regular dental check ups can enure that your mouth, teeth and gums are in the best health to take on the winter. You can make sure that you are brushing and flossing twice daily and using a mouthwash. You can ensure that your dental products are not harming you. Yes you did read right. Not all products are good for you. Some have constituents that cause gums to break down and bleed. The regular use of an alcohol based mouthwash for example can harm your oral health and some toothpastes actually breakdown the gums and soft tissues in the mouth.

You can also look at your nutritional programme for the winter. This should include a good quality anti-oxidant, minerals, vitamins and trace elements. There is also research that suggests the use of pycnogenols, Co enzyme Q10, selenium, essential fatty acids and Chlorella will further help your mouth. Can you get all this from food? Well perhaps you can if you are eating organic, but why take the risk, why not take nutritional supplements this winter and help your body to help itself.

I believe that it is important to treat the body in two ways. Firstly, regular dental check ups which need to cover not just the teeth and gums but also the soft tissues. Few people realise that we are also checking for early signs of oral cancer when we look in the mouth. Secondly we need to look after ourselves. The best ways are mechanical, brushing etc, non toxic dental products and a good nutritional programme.

This year why suffer when you can take steps to help yourself and make the best of the winter. Come in, see us and get it all checked out.

Details of nutritional support and safe dental products can be obtained on request. We also have a book called "Fresh Breath Ideas" written by Bill Kellner-Read that can be bought through the practice. At present this book is only available in English.