Did you know that 19th May to 19th June 2014 is National Smile Month? Each year the British Dental Health Foundation organise a month’s campaign to help reduce the amount of dental decay and disease in the UK, they have a key message each year which this month includes three basic principles:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend
- Cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks
Following this advice will go a long way to ensuring that you keep your teeth healthy for life, But what does cleaning teeth actually do?
When you brush your teeth you remove a sticky layer over the surface of the teeth called biofilm, this biofilm gradually builds up to harbour a mass of harmful germs and bacteria which forms plaque. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease which is first noticed by red, puffy, swollen or bleeding gums.
Gums which look like this could indicate gingivitis which is an inflammation of the soft tissue around your teeth. If not treated gingivitis can lead to the more serious periodontitis which can ultimately result in to floss.
Studies have also shown a link between these two diseases and heart disease giving you even more reason to look after your teeth to ensure your whole body stays healthy. We’ve Written blog posts in the past about how to clean your teeth, please do have a look at them and follow the best toothbrushing advice we can give.
Gum disease has also been linked to a wide range of other health problems, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Stroke
But don’t worry, there is actually some good news too. If you follow the National Smile Month campaign advice then you will keep your chances lower, so you need to:
- Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for cleaning and check-ups
- Follow a routine of brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
It really is good advice and highly benefits you if you maintain a good level of oral health, and not just to prevent halitosis!
For more information or if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.