Beyond tooth decay: why good dental hygiene is important
Beyond tooth decay: why good dental hygiene is important
Most of us are aware that poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath – but not brushing your teeth could also have consequences for more serious illnesses.
Alzheimer’s disease
In 2010, researchers from New York University (NYU) concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease, after reviewing 20 years of data on the association.
Pancreatic cancer
A research team from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA, were the first to report strong evidence on a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer, back in 2007. Researchers are unable to prove whether the periodontitis bacteria are a cause or result of pancreatic cancer – current research can only prove that the two are linked.
Heart disease
Perhaps better established is the association between dental hygiene and heart disease. “The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body,” said Dr. Shinn.
In 2008, MNT reported on research from joint teams at the University of Bristol in the UK and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, who found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could be increasing their risk of heart disease.
Read the full article here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283649.php
What is a good dental hygiene routine?
A good dental care routine is essential to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy.
A good routine should comprise of the following techniques:
- Brush twice a day with a dentist recommended fluoride toothpaste. The toothbrush should have soft bristles and the size and shape should effectively clean all parts of your mouth.
- Flossing is very important and should be done once a day. Check out some non-intrusive flossing options, such as water flossers.
- A dentist-recommended mouthwash is useful in killing germs.
- Periodic check-ups with your family dentist is highly recommended.
Dental hygiene awareness should start from a young age. It is not only important for a beautiful smile, but also improves your overall well-being by reducing the risks of certain diseases.