Why oral health is important
Looking after our teeth could also benefit the heart, according to research linking unhealthy gums to cardiovascular disease. With dental experts claiming that one in three of us aren’t brushing properly, it’s time we polished up on our oral hygiene.
1. Why should I brush my teeth twice a day?
“You need to keep teeth clean to remove debris and plaque, as plaque damages teeth and causes gum disease,” explains specialist dentist Susan Tanner, at the Dawood & Tanner dental practice in central London. “Plaque is made up of bacteria and debris from food. It releases an acid that dissolves tooth enamel, which is why it’s so important to remove it.”
Susan says that we need to brush our teeth twice a day — with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel — and floss once a day to keep gums healthy, too.
2. Am I cleaning my teeth correctly?
How you brush your teeth is just as important as how often. “A quick scrub left to right is not enough,” explains Susan. “You have to brush every surface of every tooth to remove the plaque.”
Experts recommend brushing teeth for at least two minutes, but make sure you’re doing it properly. “You can brush for ten minutes, but still miss out some teeth,” explains Susan. Ask your dentist or hygienist to check your technique, or watch Susan’s simple videos at Delicious Teeth.
3. Which toothbrush is best to use?
The choice is yours, as long as you change your toothbrush every two to three months to prevent bacteria building up on the head. “The best is what you enjoy using and what does the job,” says Susan. “If that’s an electric toothbrush, fantastic, but nothing is better than something else, as long as you use it properly.”
Your dentist can recommend a suitable toothbrush if you can’t reach your back teeth. For anyone having trouble flossing, a floss pick may help.
4. What’s the answer to bad breath?
If your breath could be sweeter, it’s a good idea to try flossing first – before you decide to cut out garlic or coffee. “A lot of bad breath comes from a bad mouth,” explains Susan. “If you have particles of food stuck between your teeth, they will make your breath smell.”
An infection, or inflammation of the gums, can also cause halitosis, so see your dentist if it’s a concern.
For peace of mind about dental costs
Join the Benenden Health Cash Plan and you could claim back costs for dental treatment, plus much more.
The Benenden Health Cash Plan is available exclusively to Benenden Healthcare Society members aged 17-65 years (inclusive) and provides cash back for a range of everyday healthcare treatments
This article first appeared in issue 12 of benhealth, the magazine for Benenden Healthcare members
