Busy Brits Skimping Oral Hygene Could Be Putting Their Lives At Risk

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 24^th 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

1. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a Fluoride toothpaste
2. Floss
3. Use a mouth wash
4. Avoid excessive sugary foods
5. 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.

8 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea is made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis and has been popular in China for hundreds of years. There is on-going research into the health benefits of the drink.

1.       Heart Disease and Stroke

 Researchers who looked at the diets of the Chinese and Japanese concluded that although these people smoke heavily the cases of heart disease are much lower than those of Americans. Could this be down to widespread consumption of green tea?

Green tea contains EGCG a flavonoid and antioxidant which is not found in black or white tea after preparation. Flavonoids break down bad cholesterol and inhibit the formation of blood clots which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

2.       Alzheimer’s disease

EGCG may help prevent chemical reactions in the body which can result in memory loss. More research in this area is needed as the tests that have been done so far have used higher concentrations of green tea than an average person would drink.

3.       HIV and AIDS

Green Tea has shown to reduce AIDS related dementia and it may also assist against the virus.

4.       Autoimmune Disorders

The EGCG in Green Tea may be able to turn the body’s immune system on proteins which are involved in systematic inflammation.

5.       Food Poisoning

Green Tea has shown to be beneficial against Staphylococcus aureus which plays a part in gastroenteritis.

6.       Skin Conditions

Staphylococcus auresis can also cause spots, boils, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome and abscesses. The antibacterial properties of Green Tea are good for these complaints. Cold Green Tea is used to freshen and soothe the skin and it is good for sunburn and rashes. Extracts of Green Tea are widely used in deodorants, shampoos and facial products.

7.       Tooth Decay

The antibacterial agents of green tea kill plaque and help prevent tooth decay.

8.       Weight Loss

Green Tea has a high polyphenol content which, along with caffeine is believed to contribute to weight loss. It boosts metabolism whilst not increasing the heart rate.

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