“The BACD made dentistry far more interesting to me at a critical stage in my career,” says Dr Tif Qureshi.

“The value I’ve got from being a member has come in the form of lifelong friendships, networking, education, career progression, greater confidence, and a realisation of what I did and didn’t want to do professionally. The BACD also encouraged me to look at cosmetic dentistry in a more unconventional way.

“I would definitely recommend other dentists join the Academy. Whether you are in NHS or private practice, it is important to understand that the BACD promotes quality dentistry, not just cosmetic dentistry.”

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com

Dr Charles Fox from Hartley Dental talks about the benefits of the new RelyX Universal Resin Cement from 3M Oral Care:

“Perhaps the biggest benefit of using RelyX Universal Resin Cement is that it offers all of the positives of its predecessor but refines them and makes them just that much more perfect.

“I love using RelyX Universal Resin Cement when cementing ceramics, especially with Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive. Together they completely eliminate the need for multiple adhesives and primers, meaning that I can perform treatment quickly and easily but also with the knowledge that I’m going to get excellent outcomes.

“The new design is wonderful and the dispenser tip instantly minimises levels of material run-on and waste. Plus, as I can use RelyX Universal Resin Cement in so many indications it’s now the only cement I use where I previously needed three, saving me space and money. I would absolutely recommend it to other professionals – it’s a solid 10/10.”

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit www.3M.co.uk/Dental

3M representatives continue to be available via video calling technologies for your convenience.

END

3M, RelyX and Scotchbond are trademarks of the 3M Company.

The heart is said to be the hardest working muscle in the human body. It beats more than 2.5 billion times over the course of an average lifetime, pumping millions of gallons of blood around the body. This constant blood flow not only helps transport waste products out of the body, but also carries oxygen and essential nutrients to the organs to keep them functioning.[1] Considering this never-ending workload, it is extremely important for everyone to look after their heart, especially as having an unhealthy heart can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Every February, National Heart Month shines a spotlight on the dangers of CVD with the aim of promoting good heart health. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), there are approximately 7.4 million people in the UK living with CVD but this figure is thought to be much higher, given our aging yet growing population, combined with improved survival rates from heart attacks and strokes. These statistics are worrying as CVD remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for a quarter of all deaths in the UK alone.[2]

Risk factors for CVD

CVD encompasses a broad range of different heart and circulatory diseases. Some of the most common include coronary heart disease (which can lead to angina, heart attacks and heart failure), stroke and transient ischaemic attack, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease.[3] Depending on their severity, these conditions can cause a variety of health problems ranging from minor to life-threatening. Research even suggests that people with CVD are at increased risk of severe complications and/or death from contracting COVID-19.[4]

Age, ethnicity and genetics are unavoidable risk factors for CVD. However, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, excess alcohol consumption, and being inactive, overweight and/or obese are other risk factors that can be mitigated through various lifestyle changes. These changes may include exercising regularly, quitting smoking, following a healthy diet that is low in sugar, salt and fat, and reducing alcohol intake to less than 14 units a week.

As part of the process of improving heart health, it is crucial that patients are encouraged to maintain good at-home oral hygiene, which involves interdental cleaning once a day and twice-daily toothbrushing using a fluoride toothpaste. Minimising the burden of plaque on the mouth is especially important considering CVD has been linked to periodontal disease. It is thought that the inflammatory nature of periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.[5] Recent research suggests that individuals with periodontitis are more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke or other serious cardiovascular event than those without the disease.[6]

Supporting at-risk patients

Patients who have CVD or are found to be at risk of CVD should be encouraged to visit the dental practice regularly for periodontal examinations as part of the ongoing management of their condition. A collaborative approach between dental teams and allied healthcare professionals is vital to ensure appropriate support is provided. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a key role in reinforcing effective oral care habits and engaging with patients about adopting a healthier lifestyle to avoid and/or reduce the risk of heart and circulatory-related problems, as well as periodontal disease. It is important to emphasise that simple changes can make all the difference to ensuring a lifetime of good overall health.

For more information about the BSDHT, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk, call 01788 575050 or email enquiries@bsdht.org.uk

Author:

DIANE ROCHFORD – President BSDHT  – CEB DIP DENT HYGIENE 1996, BSC (HONS) 2016 – DENTAL HYGIENIST

[1] British Heart Foundation. (2020) How your heart works. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/how-a-healthy-heart-works. [Last accessed: 23.10.20].

[2] British Heart Foundation. (2020) UK Factsheet. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf?la=en. [Last accessed: 23.10.20].

[3] NHS. (2018) Cardiovascular disease. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/. [Last accessed: 23.10.20].

[4] British Heart Foundation. (2020) Coronavirus and Heart & Circulatory Diseases Factsheet. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/research/heart-statistics/bhf-coronavirus-and-heart-and-circulatory-disease-factsheet.pdf?la=en. [Last accessed: 23.10.20].

[5] Carrizales-Sepúlveda, E. F., Ordaz-Farías, A. and Vera-Pineda, R. (2018) Periodontal disease, systemic inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart, Lung and Circulation. 27(11): P1327-1334. Doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.05.102.

[6] Sanz, M. et al. (2020) Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease: Consensus report. J Clin Periodontol. 47(3): 268-288. DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13189.