The human mouth contains 700 types of bacteria and they are not all friendly! We are almost all aware of the importance of good dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Regular brushing is also important to ward of extremely unpleasant forms of gum disease. One of these is Gingivitis which can lead to periodontal disease which affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. Left untreated periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth, even tooth loss.
What you may not be aware of are the studies which have been done into a possible link between poor dental hygiene and heart attacks. Two types of harmful oral bacteria are Streptococcus gordonii and streptococcus sanguinis. A study by Bristol University concluded that such bacteria contribute to the formation of blood clots leading to heart attacks and strokes. The bacteria clump together in the heart arteries hanging on to fatty plaques.
A Scottish study also linked gum disease with heart problems. It concluded that those with poor dental hygiene had a 70% higher chance of developing the disease compared with those who brushed regularly.
On the 24th of May 2010 the BBC announced Many Britains ‘too busy for a proper brush’ of their teeth. According to the article, one in three Britains do not give their teeth the daily two minutes in the morning and evening recommended by the British Dental Health Foundation.
A survey by Sovereign Healthcare claims that 80% of those questioned put off dental appointments for financial reasons. It’s not surprising people are getting their priorities in the wrong order with NHS waiting lists soaring and the cost of a private crown is equal to that of a foreign holiday!
Poor dental hygiene and gum disease in pregnant women may lead to premature births. The University of North Carolina conducted a five year study on pregnant women and found that those with poor dental health and gum disease were between five and seven times more likely to go into labour prematurely. The baby may also be of a low birth weight.
What is the connection?
According to The University of North Carolina harmful bacteria in the bloodstream as a result of gum disease may be passed through the placenta. There have also been reports of pre eclampsia in pregnant women with gum disease.
Gum disease also increases the risk of mouth cancers and pancreatic cancer in males.
Other incentives to brush up on your teeth
Gum disease causes bad breath which will not go away.
People with diabetes should take extra care of their teeth because the elevated glucose levels in the body can cause tooth damage and gum disease.
Those with osteoporosis should pay more attention to dental hygiene too.
Cavities can form while you sleep so using Fluoride toothpaste before you go to bed will let you sleep easy knowing your teeth are taken care of overnight.
Bacteria can damage and weaken tooth enamel making it sensitive and brittle.
Tartar build up can only be removed by a professional dentist although brushing with a tartar preventative paste can help.
5 ways you can protect your teeth
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss
- Use a mouth wash
- Avoid excessive sugary foods
- Visit your dentist for regular check ups
Think you have gum disease?
Periodontal disease is normally painless, but if you have swollen or bleeding gums, gaps appearing between your teeth, receding gums or painful sores it is time to see a dentist.
While factors such as a sedatory lifestyle, poor diet and smoking are seen as the major factors which cause life threatening illness, we must not ignore the importance of tooth care as well.
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