Brushing your teeth is an essential activity for maintaining good oral health. Any dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste, and a suitable toothbrush, with multi-tufted, nylon bristles that allow it to reach all areas of the teeth. In addition, it’s important to floss regularly, using a dental floss to complement your brushing technique, helping to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria between the teeth, and around the gums.
Taking a few minutes each day to carry out these standard oral hygiene practises helps contribute to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to a variety of problems, including dental cavities, and even tooth loss.
Other Benefits of Regular Tooth Brushing
Your oral health is more important than you might realise, as the health of your teeth, gums and mouth can have a significant effect on your overall health.
It’s important to consider that your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory systems. Whilst the bacteria in your mouth is mostly harmless, it’s important to consider that certain bacteria can cause disease, so by failing to brush your teeth regularly, you are at more risk of digestive and respiratory health issues.
A number of health conditions are linked with poor oral health, including:
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Heart disease – Endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) is typically linked to bacteria from another part of the body that that is spread through the blood stream, and attaching to the lining of the heart.
Although it is not fully understood, cardiovascular disease, clogged arteries and strokes may be linked to inflammations and infections caused by oral bacteria.
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Pneumonia – Bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs as you breath, which can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.
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Pregnancy and birth complications – Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Diabetes – Research has found that people who brush their teeth regularly have a lower risk of diabetes, with the chances of developing diabetes reduced by 8%. In contrast, those with dental disease are at a 9% increased risk of diabetes.
In addition to helping to reduce the risk of illness through practising good oral health care, brushing your teeth regularly can also have the major benefit of preventing bad breath. By keeping plaque and bacteria at bay and using minty-fresh toothpaste, you are much less likely to experience unpleasant smelling breath.
Dental Treatment in Vauxhall / Nine Elms
If you are unsure about the correct teeth brushing and flossing techniques, or which toothbrush and toothpaste you should be using, you should consult a dentist. To arrange an appointment in Vauxhall / Nine Elms, whether you need a check-up, or are concerned about your oral health, call Riverside Dental Spa on 0800 0154 222.
