Dentist warns we're cleaning our teeth wrong - as floss mistake could be fatal
We all know how important it is to keep our teeth clean, but if we're completely honest, not all of us follow every step that we're supposed to when it comes to oral hygiene.
But a dental expert has now claimed that now following the correct brushing procedures could be having a bigger impact on our health than we realise - and it could even be fatal in some cases.
Dr Sameer Patel said that on top of bad breath and tooth decay, bad oral hygiene can have a detrimental effect on your health in other areas, especially if certain steps aren't done properly.
Dentists also say brushing at night is more important than the morning (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Flossing is one area that many of us forget to do as often as we need to, but Dr Patel, who is the founder of Elleven Dental, claimed that there's a link between flossing and "cardiac health".
He told Mail Online: "Increasingly, studies show the importance of flossing for neurological and cardiac health as well. Flossing removes plaque from below the gum line, which can erode tooth enamel and cause tartar, as well as reduce the risk of gingivitis, cavities and the likelihood of your gums becoming inflamed, sore and red.
Cleaning expert shares bathroom mould magnet that people always forget to clean
"Be sure to floss daily for optimum teeth and gum health, as well as for your overall well-being."
According to research funded by the British Heart Foundation, those with moderate to severe gum disease had a 69% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The BHF's research also found that not flossing or taking care of your teeth can even be fatal, as the inflammation caused by gum disease can damage your blood vessels, including those in your heart, which could lead to coronary heart disease.
What's more, people with gum disease are also at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than those with good oral health.
If you're confident you always floss correctly, Dr Patel also said you must make sure you always brush your teeth as soon as you wake up, and should never wait until after you've eaten breakfast.
This is because bacteria accumulate in our mouths overnight, and eating food before brushing in the morning can feed the bacteria and can form an acid which will attack the tooth's enamel.
But while you should be brushing twice a day, dental experts say that if you insist on only brushing once, then doing so at night is the best time - because sleeping with plaque on your teeth can allow it to harden, which is when it needs to be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
The levels of saliva - which has anti-bacterial properties - in your mouth also drop during sleep, which makes your teeth more susceptible to bacteria if you haven't brushed them before bed.
Dr Safa, founder and principle dentist at Serene, said: "We recommend brushing twice a day. If you are only going to brush once a day, make sure it's at night before bed at the end of the day."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
