By the way . . . open up! It’s time to say AHHH...

SO we’ve celebrated St Patrick’s Day this week, but did you know World Oral Health Day was also upon us? The mouth has been described as the mirror to our wellbeing so it is important to both look after it, and that means looking into it from time to time.

It’s important to remember that things that impact your general health can also impact your oral health. Gum disease has been associated with everything from cardiovascular disease to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and fertility issues.

Unprotected sex resulting in the spread of oral HPV virus has been found as a causative agent in oral cancer. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are also linked. Looking after your mouth ultimately equates to looking after your health.

A recent survey revealed that three out of ten people admit to brushing their teeth only once a day. The laziness of not brushing twice daily translates into a 33% increase in the chances of getting tooth decay.

Not brushing twice a day takes its toll. This simple omission can stack the odds against you when it comes to both dental and general health, not to mention halitosis. And after a weekend of patriotic celebrations, I figure there’s an abundance of bad breath in the country this week.

So what should we be doing to ensure our oral health is tip top? Well, brushing really is top of the list. Do it twice a day for two minutes with a decent (electric) brush. I’ve heard a dentist liken brushing with a manual brush to cleaning your carpet with a dustpan and brush rather than a Dyson.

Flossing should also form part of the ritual. Your mouth is like a bin, if food gets lodged inside it for a few days it starts to go bad, so fish it out with floss or interdental sticks.

Use a tongue scraper in the evening and treat yourself to some mouthwash in between brushes. Follow a set oral hygiene plan and you will be rewarded with good health from the inside out.