The truth about teeth (and gums)
Brushing without toothpaste is best MAYBE Bad breath is caused by gum disease NOT ALWAYS
Tomorrow is World Oral Health Day, so AMY PACKER sorts the facts from fiction when it comes to the importance of caring for our mouths
Figures from the Royal College of Surgeons show almost 58 per cent of children under the age of four didn’t see an NHS dentist last year.
Dentist Steve Preddy, of Bupa Dental Care, said: “Children’s oral health is so important but many parents don’t realise children should begin seeing their dentist as soon as their first teeth start coming through.” Cosmetic dentist and Oral-B ambassador Dr Uchenna Okoye said: “Foods containing citric acid, such as oranges and grapefruits, weaken tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating them can damage the enamel further in its weakened state.”
You should brush your teeth as soon as you wake.
Okoye added: “If you do, you will brush away plaque bacteria that has developed during the night which could be fed by sugar or acid in food, causing further softening of the enamel.” While ulcers are usually more uncomfortable than dangerous, sores which appear on the cheeks, lips and tongue should clear up within a week or two.
If a mouth ulcer lasts longer than three weeks you should get it checked by a dentist or doctor urgently as it may be a symptom of something more serious like cancer. found higher levels of a bacteria linked to gum disease Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brain during Alzheimer’s, it remains unclear what role, if any, it plays.
“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s have various causes but genetic evidence indicates factors other than bacterial infections are central to their development.” Dr Okoye said: “Your milk teeth act as a guide for your adult teeth to grow through in the right place. If you lose your milk teeth early due to factors such as tooth decay, the adult teeth coming through can go ‘rogue’ and start emerging in the wrong places, for example in the palate.” A study by the American Dental Association discovered that “dry brushing” – not using toothpaste – is more effective at removing plaque than brushing with toothpaste. Of 128 participants who tried dry-brushing over six months, 67 per cent saw a reduction in plaque build-up, while levels for bleeding gums and gingivitis were also reduced by 50 per cent. But Dr Okoye said: “It’s really important for people to use toothpaste as it contains fluoride, which protects against cavities and bacteria.” While bad breath is often an indicator you might be suffering from gum disease, it could also be a warning sign of other health issues.
Halitosis can be a symptom of acid reflux, a bowel obstruction, digestive issues or even diabetes.
If someone flags up the fact you aren’t as minty fresh as you might be, make an appointment with your dentist first and if they give you a clean bill of health, it may be worth booking in to see a GP. According to research funded by the British Heart Foundation, people with gum disease are at risk of developing coronary heart disease.
When you have gum disease, up to 100million bacteria can live on a single tooth. It also causes gaps to form next to teeth, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Researchers have found dental bacteria in the heart – where it can attach to arteries and valves as well as causing inflammation.
This is a natural response to infection but when it goes on too long, inflammation can damage blood vessels, including those in your heart, leading to coronary heart disease.
You can prevent problems by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily and looking out for signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums. Dr Harold Katz, of The Breath Company, said: “Sucking mints or chewing gum is a good short-term fix but if they contain sugar they may worsen the situation.
“Leaving sugar in the mouth for extended periods of time can lead to an accumulation of sticky plaque on the teeth and encourage the growth of bacteria.” A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine discovered that men in their 30s who had periodontal disease were three times more likely to suffer from erectile disfunction than those without.