Brushing your teeth helps to keep your smile looking healthy and bright, but there is so much more to teeth cleaning than this, and research has revealed that looking after your gums and teeth is more important than ever before.
Gum disease and general health
Studies have shown that oral health has a connection with general health and researchers have discovered that oral health issues, especially gum disease, can increase the risk of serious medical conditions. In studies conducted in the UK and America, researchers have found that poor oral health can increase the risk of strokes, heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and premature birth.
The importance of oral hygiene for good oral health
The best way to keep oral health problems at bay is to adopt a good daily oral hygiene regime. Regular brushing removes food debris and bacteria from the teeth, preventing the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that adheres to the tooth surfaces and the gum line, increasing the risk of gum disease and dental decay.
Good oral hygiene also helps to keep bad breath at bay and ensures that your teeth feel smooth and look white and healthy.
Preventing oral health problems
It’s really easy to maintain good oral health and you only need to dedicate 5 minutes per day to your oral health routine to notice the benefits. Brushing twice a day and flossing helps to rid the mouth of potentially harmful bacteria, thus reducing the risk of gum disease, decay, bad breath and discolouration.
Watching what you eat can also make a huge difference to oral health. Foods that contain sugar and acidic foods and drinks are bad news for your teeth because they can cause enamel wear. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and this causes them to release acids that attack the enamel outer layer of the teeth.
Another great way to reduce the risk of oral health issues and boost the appearance of your smile is to see your dentist for regular routine check-ups. Seeing a dental hygienist is also really beneficial, especially if you are prone to plaque or tartar build-up, you have a high risk of gum disease or you suffer from bad breath.
Tags: gum disease Liverpool, oral health, oral health liverpool, oral hygiene liverpool
