Everything you didn’t know about dental hygiene

According to The Times, a third of teenagers report being too embarrassed to smile for fear of exposing their poorly maintained teeth. Given that our smiles mean so much to us, it’s rather surprising how many people don’t appreciate how much care and understanding is required to look after a set of teeth well. Below are a few facts which you may not be aware of:

Good teeth and gums are essential for good overall health

While it may seem obvious that illness and disease should lead to gum and teeth deterioration, it might surprise a lot of people to learn that the reverse is also true. The NHS warns of the wealth of evidence which establishes a causal link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Poor oral hygiene may even lead to complications in pregnancy and childbirth. This is because the severe inflammation which arises from gum disease begins to negatively affect the bloodstream if left untreated.

You might be making your teeth look older than you

Once upon a time, conscientious horse-traders would gauge the animal’s age by examining the length of its teeth – hence the phrase ‘long in the tooth’. And it’s true that as we age gum recession becomes increasingly likely. Here’s the good news though: ageing isn’t the single cause of gum recession. In many cases, it’s simply the result of an over enthusiastic attitude towards plaque-busting. To help avoid scrubbing away your gums dentists recommend a soft brush and a gentler cleaning action. Electric toothbrushes are also a reliable option for avoiding gum erosion.

You do need to brush your gums

According to WebMD, your toothbrush is only capable of tackling around 60% of a tooth’s surface, which leaves plaque and bacteria to grow on the other 40%. For this reason, the gum areas between teeth are particularly susceptible to bleeding and inflammation if neglected. Those committed to gum care probably already know of the benefits of dental sticks and floss, but there is also another option. The arm of your dentist’s chair will have housed a water jet machine for as long as you can remember, but did you know you could have one stood on your bathroom sill?

Bad breath is growing on your tongue

Well, not quite bad breath itself, but the bacteria responsible for it most certainly are. Under ordinary circumstances, the cleansing properties of saliva deal with bacteria on the tongue. However, during periods of sleep or dehydration, the flow of saliva decreases, giving rise to unwanted odours in the mouth. Fortunately, the growth of bacteria on the tongue can be dealt with by scraping it off – the small rubber pad found on the head of many toothbrushes is one option available here. Alternatively, some people enjoy better results with purpose designed tongue cleaners.

Dental care takes time

The most common form of dental negligence stems from an eagerness to be finished brushing. Teeth should be brushed for around two minutes before any interdental tools are put to work. For those struggling to adapt to diligent routine dentists recommend playing a song in the background to act as a timer.