But why I hear you ask! Well, here are just some of the
reasons why you should keep up good oral health:
A healthy mouth means a healthy body. There’s evidence to
back it up! A healthy mouth means a healthy smile, and we all feel more
confident with a beaming smile. You’re less likely to have bad breath. Who doesn’t want
that? The better your oral health now,
the less treatment you’ll need when you’re older.
Yes, it’s true. A healthy mouth really does give you a
better chance of having a healthy body. Persistent headaches or migraines could
be a result of jaw problems. People with fewer teeth are at higher risk of
developing Alzheimer’s and breast cancer, while certain types of oral bacteria
in the mouth may indicate the presence of pancreatic diseases, of which
pancreatic cancer is one.
Feeling the benefits of a healthy smile are some of life’s
intangibles. It can bring you confidence, it can bring success, and it can also
bring about interest from the opposite sex. Research shows a smile is the most
important physical feature when it comes to the rules of attraction.
Speaking of attraction, there’s nothing worse than talking
to someone with bad breath. It’s a complete turn off and can often lead to
lower self esteem. National Smile Month is the perfect opportunity to do
something about it. The smell is caused by the gases coating bacteria on teeth
and on the tongue, so taking better care of your teeth and removing plaque can
really help the quest to rid you of bad breath.
Reasons to Keep Up
Good Oral Health
Gum disease and tooth decay are the two biggest reasons to
keep up good oral health. In fact, around a third of adults and children still have tooth decay in the UK. Both are
entirely preventable, but they’re also very common. Gum disease is the largest
cause of tooth loss in adults, and it’s something you’re likely to get. But
worry not, as keeping up the basics can help to prevent it and shift it.
Picture the scene; you’ve woke up late for work, you’re
dashing around trying to do everything at speed. You’ve got dressed, done your
hair, and out of the door you go. You skip brushing your teeth as it’s an
unnecessary few minutes you could save.
WRONG! Many people aren’t aware of just how important their
oral health is. Founded in 1977, National Smile Month is a great opportunity to
find out loads about oral health.
Last year over a quarter of the population admitted to not
brushing their teeth for 24 hours, a practice that really could strain your smile.
If you think about it, your mouth is the first port of call
for many things, so all the more reason to look after it. Here are a few basic
things National Smile Month encourages you to do that can bring a sparkle to
your smile:
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a
fluoride toothpaste Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks Visit the dentist regularly – as often as they recommend
Other ways to improve oral health include: Clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day;
Clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day; Use a mouthwash as part of your regular oral health routine; Chew sugar-free gum in between meals to help protect your teeth throughout the day; If you wear dentures, clean them twice a day.
It is important to clean your teeth at least twice a day,
especially last thing at night and first thing in the morning. If you eat or
drink certain foods you may need to clean more often. And remember, try to
avoid brushing your teeth for up to an hour after eating or drinking. It’s
better for your teeth.
Quite simple, isn’t it? There’s more you can do to keep up
good oral health. Try using interdental brushes or flossing, pop in a piece of
sugar-free gum containing Xylitol for ten minutes after you’ve eaten, or even
complement brushing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Remember; change your
toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months to ensure your old brush head
isn’t causing more harm than good.
Where Does National
Smile Month Come In?
National Smile Month is the month-long campaign run by
organisers the British Dental Health Foundation to raise awareness of how
important oral health is. This year it takes place from 20 May – 20 June and is
the ideal opportunity for you to get involved in all things oral health.
If you
see a smile like this...
