HEALTH NEWS

Italians have the healthiest teeth in Europe, a study claims – bellissimo indeed. But the UK ranks sixth in the table devised by Qunomedical for World Oral Health Day 2020.

Here, more than half of adults have damaged or decayed teeth due to high sugar consumption.

Since enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it shows how dangerous sugar can be.

Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste, going for “no added sugar” and regular check-ups.

Good bacteria living in the human gut has been found to help cut the risk of heart disease – a potential benefit that has previously gone unrecognised.

The bacteria’s activity in the intestines interferes with the production of a chemical that has been linked to the clogging of arteries, a team of researchers at Ohio State University found.

Parents who worry spending time on their smartphones has a negative impact on the relationship with their children may be in the clear.

An analysis in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found the devices play multiple roles in family life, and may have a positive role in parenting – when not eating into “together time”.

It called for “more nuanced” talk around the tech debate.

With early birds and night owls both having sleep problems in lockdown, home interiors specialist Hillarys has created an online sleep calculator.

Simply tell it what time you need to wake up, and it will give bedtime options to ensure you go through enough full 90-minute sleep cycles before your alarm goes off.

It also has a handy “nap now” option. See hillarys.co.uk/static/ sleep-calculator