World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20th. This date was chosen to reflect the importance of the number 20 in oral health: children should have 20 baby teeth, and seniors should aim to have 20 natural teeth at the end of their lives, if possible.
Oral health is a crucial component of overall health, as poor oral hygiene can lead to a range of issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Ten Top Tips for healthy teeth!
- Brush twice a day, once before bedtime and at least one other time, make sure to change your toothbrush regulary too!
- Brush for around 2 minutes with a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350ppm fluoride
- After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth with water, this dilutes the benefits of the fluoride
- If you choose to use mouthwash, don’t use it immediately after brushing, again, this can wash the fluoride off you teeth.
- Use interdental brushes to clean between teeth, make sure to use the right size brush for the gaps.
- Dental floss helps to clean along the gumline, it is best to floss before brushing
- Think about swapping high sugar content food for sugar free alternatives
- Try to reduce sugary snacks between meals, the number of times your teeth are exposed to sugar is as important as the amount.
- Sugar free gum can be useful after meals to increase the saliva that protects your teeth and mouth
- Have regular dental checkups if you can
Sadly, many dentists are unable to take on new NHS patients, if you still have an NHS dentist at home, it would be best to stay with them if you can. Remember, you need to have a check up annually to stay registered with an NHS dentist.
If you do not have an NHS dentist and need to pay privately, a payment plan can be cheaper than paying as you need treatment.
If you are not registered with a dentist and are in pain, you can seek emergency dental treatment through the Plymouth Dental Access Centre
A happy mouth is… a happy body!
Each year World Oral Health Day takes on a different theme, and this year the focus is “a happy mouth is a happy body”, raising awareness for the fact that a good oral hygiene routine leads to a healthier and happier life.
You might be surprised to learn that the benefits of clean and healthy teeth and gums go well beyond just your mouth.
5 ways oral health is connected to general health
- Heart health
People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease than those without. This is thought to be due to bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream, which can cause clots and in turn lead to a heart attack. The connection between oral bacteria and blood clots is also why gum disease has been linked to strokes.
- Lung health
Bacterial chest infections such as pneumonia are thought to be caused by breathing in droplets from the mouth that contain bacteria. Those that have gum disease will have a higher amount of bacteria in their mouths, making chest infections a more common occurrence.
- Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, which is thought to be due to the fact that people with diabetes are more prone to infection. This is why it is incredibly important for those that don’t know they have diabetes to get a diagnosis. It is also vital that people with diabetes get any gum disease diagnosed before it can lead to complications.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
There is growing research suggesting a direct connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies on mice have found that mice exposed to periodontal bacteria developed neurodegeneration and inflammation similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. Consequently, the Alzheimer’s Association website recommends patients uphold a good oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease.
- Mental health
Evidence suggests that people who experience mental health problems also suffer with poor oral health. This can be due to neglect, as some mental illnesses prevent a person keeping up with a proper oral hygiene routine. Other causes can include anxiety surrounding dental visits, eating disorders that impact the health of teeth, and medications that have adverse oral effects. It is also possible for oral health problems to lead to poor mental health, as symptoms impact confidence, enjoyment of food and social life.