We all know that dental hygiene is important, yet many of us never give it a second thought. Well, it might surprise you to learn that this aspect of healthcare can tell us a lot about our general health. A recent study suggests that those of us with poor dental health will live shorter lives than those of us with healthy teeth. The study was in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology 2015 and has some interesting findings.
Results found that people over the age of 70 who had 20 teeth or more were more likely to live long lives than people with less that 20 teeth. These results would suggest that people with poor dental hygiene are putting their lives at risk. Dr Nigel Carter OBE said that there is a strong link between the health of our mouth and our general health. So, how can you improve your level of oral health today? Read our straight forward advice now.
1) Daily teeth brushing
Of 0course, you already know that you should brush your teeth each day. In general, we would suggest brushing at least twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride-based toothpaste for the best results. When you are brushing your teeth, make sure that you are as thorough as possible. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and ensure that you brush for at least two minutes each time.
2) Flossing
Few people use dental floss, but it can make a massive difference to your oral health. This trick helps you to remove any plaque build-up and get rid of any nasty bacteria that may be lurking in your mouth. Floss before you brush your teeth so that you loosen any food pieces that are between your teeth. Again, this is something that you should add to your daily routine.
3) Healthy diet
Some people don’t realise that what they eat has a direct affect on the health of their mouth and teeth. If you always eat high-sugar snacks, such as sweets and chocolate, you’re sure to have some issues with your teeth in later life. You should also cut back on drinks like coffee and red wine, which cause your teeth to stain. Acidic foods, such as fruit, may also cause premature decaying of the teeth. If you alter your diet accordingly, you will be much less likely to have any oral problems. Remember, when you do eat sweets, you should brush your teeth straight away to remove any sugar from your mouth.
4) Regular visits to the dentist
Finally, you need to make sure that you have regular visits to the dentist. You should have an expert check your teeth and mouth on a regular basis. After all, dentists have all the qualifications they need to give you top notch advice. That way, if you have any problems with your oral health, you can sort it out as soon as possible. Make sure that you book frequent appointments with your dental surgery.
