You might be proud of your pearly whites, but a gleaming smile isn’t just the latest cosmetic obsession - taking care of your teeth can also have significant knock-on effects for your overall health and longevity.
That’s the message that Dr Vanessa Creavan, co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care is passionate about. Yes, it may matter to someone that their teeth are straight and shiny, she notes, but the overall priority should be good oral health, given that “the mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body”.
Poor oral health, the dentist says, has been linked to serious issues like heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and even Alzheimer’s disease. “Also, if your gums are inflamed, that inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth, it travels,” Creaven points out. “Looking after your oral health isn’t just about teeth, it’s about your whole system.”
The medical and dental professions are united on this, given the strong clinical research linking gum disease (periodontitis) and the resulting chronic inflammation to an increased risk of heart problems, strokes, and poor diabetes control, she adds.
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The connection between gum disease and chronic inflammation has been widely studied. “Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the gums and supporting tissues,” Creaven explains. “When untreated, that inflammation becomes systemic, meaning it can travel and impact organs throughout the body.”
The evidence is stark. Studies show that this chronic low-level inflammation can contribute to cardiovascular disease, with people suffering from gum disease up to two to three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, while bacteria originating in the mouth (like Porphyromonas gingivalis) have been found in arterial plaques, the same plaques that clog arteries and cause cardiovascular events like strokes or heart attacks.
Creaven also highlights the bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes; people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, while gum disease also makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. “Treating periodontitis can actually improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics, as it has been shown that HbA1c levels can drop after professional dental care,” she explains.
Maintaining optimum oral health during pregnancy is also critical; the association between gum health and pregnancy complications has been extensively studied. Poor gum health is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
“The proposed reasoning is oral bacteria entering the bloodstream and triggering systemic inflammation that affects the placenta,” says Creaven.
In 2019, Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and animal studies have also shown that oral infection with these bacteria can result in brain inflammation and amyloid plaque formation.
Despite this mountain of evidence, most people simply consider their teeth from a cosmetic perspective. But Creaven believes the tide on this is finally turning, as health issues become more topical; “There is a growing awareness of the broader health implications of suboptimal oral and gum health.”
As the co-creator of Spotlight Oral Care, Creaven was keen to develop a range of products that would help people easily but effectively look after their teeth and all-round oral health.
“Over the years, Spotlight Oral Care has evolved to give people everything they need to care for their teeth, not solely from a cosmetic angle, but supporting their overall oral health,” she explains. “We started with a few targeted solutions, but now our range covers every stage of a daily oral care routine, from clinically formulated toothpastes to innovative whitening and oral care products. For me, that’s so important, because cosmetic results should never come at the expense of long-term health and the two should go hand in hand.”
For most people, focusing on oral health requires a simple - but consistent - daily routine. Creaven recommends brushing twice a day with a good quality sonic electric toothbrush and a fluoride-based toothpaste, while daily flossing is non-negotiable. “You can use a water flosser or manual floss, either way this step makes a significant difference to gum health.”
Those who like using mouthwash should do so at lunchtime, she suggests - an alcohol-free one with fluoride is the best choice. “But don’t rinse straight after brushing, as you’ll wash away the fluoride and other active ingredients in the toothpaste,” she warns. Creaven is dismissive of the growing trend of dental products containing charcoal, saying it can be damaging to tooth enamel, as can supposed home tooth whitening treatments involving baking soda, which can be hugely abrasive, damaging teeth and gums and increasing sensitivity. “I would certainly encourage everyone to avoid home remedies.”
It’s no surprise to learn that a sweet tooth isn’t a good thing when it comes to oral health; but Creaven warns against sticky sugars like toffee, jellies, and dried fruits in particular, as these sit on your teeth for extended periods of time, causing even more damage. As for fizzy or carbonated drinks, even the sugarfree ones should be avoided, as the acidity weakens tooth enamel.
Creaven also advises against frequent snacking: “Every time you eat, you trigger acid in the mouth. Grazing all day is hard on enamel,” she says. “It’s not just what you eat – it’s how often. Frequency is worse than quantity.”
Unsurprisingly, Creaven advocates regular visits to the dentist and hygienist - ideally every six months. “If you have had a history of gum disease, I would advise every three to four months. One free visit a year is great, and you can qualify for one using your PRSI credits in certain situations. Gum disease can become an issue as we age so it’s important to continue regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist.”
But oral health is not just what happens in the dentist’s chair - it’s someone’s daily routine that will make the difference. As a dentist and co-founder, Creaven says her goal has always been to make professional-level care accessible, sustainable, and effective. “I want people to feel confident in their smile, knowing it’s healthy from the inside out. That’s the philosophy behind every product we create.”
