As an NHS GP, I see the impact that poor oral health can have on people’s health, quality of life and self-esteem. Problems with our teeth and gums can cause pain, make it difficult to eat and disturb sleep. When problems become severe, they can also lead to infections and loss of teeth. Yet many of the most common dental problems are preventable. A few simple habits maintained throughout life can make a big difference.
Why oral health matters
Our teeth allow us to bite and chew food, while healthy gums help keep our teeth firmly in place. But our mouths contain many different types of bacteria. If plaque — the sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth — is not removed effectively, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids that damage the surface of the teeth. Over time, this can result in cavities.
Gum disease develops when plaque builds up around the gumline, causing inflammation. One of its earliest signs is bleeding when brushing or cleaning between the teeth.
Brush thoroughly twice a day
The foundation of good oral health is simple: brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night. Brush for around two minutes, taking care to clean all the surfaces of every tooth and around the gumline. You can use either a manual or an electric toothbrush.
Some people find an electric toothbrush helpful because features such as a timer make it easier to brush for the recommended length of time. What matters most though is brushing thoroughly and regularly rather than the type of toothbrush you use.
Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste because it helps strengthen the surface of teeth and protect them against decay. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste rather than immediately rinsing your mouth with water. This allows fluoride from the toothpaste to remain in contact with your teeth for longer.
Don’t forget to clean between your teeth
A toothbrush cannot easily reach all the spaces between teeth. Cleaning between them each day with dental floss or an interdental brush helps remove plaque and pieces of food that brushing may miss.
Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and cleaning between your teeth and, for most people, is not an essential part of daily oral hygiene. If you do use mouthwash, avoid using it immediately after brushing because this can wash away the fluoride left by your toothpaste.
Think about sugar
Diet plays an important role in dental health. Sugary foods and drinks encourage the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. It is not only the amount of sugar we consume that matters but also how frequently our teeth are exposed to it. Regularly sipping sugary drinks or having sugary snacks throughout the day means repeated acid attacks on the teeth. Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks can therefore reduce the risk of tooth decay.
A healthy lifestyle brings other benefits too. Eating a balanced diet, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption all contribute to better health, including oral health.
Dental problems are easier to manage when identified early. Regular dental check-ups provide an opportunity to detect problems before they become more serious.
Don’t assume that bleeding gums are simply normal. Gums that regularly bleed when you brush, or are swollen or sore, can be a sign of gum disease. Persistent bad breath can also be a warning sign.
As gum disease progresses, the tissues supporting the teeth can become damaged, leading to teeth becoming loose. Persistent toothache, sensitivity or pain when eating may indicate tooth decay or another dental problem.
If decay is not treated, damage can become increasingly difficult to repair and may lead to an infection or a dental abscess. If you develop toothache, persistent bleeding gums, swelling, signs of infection or another continuing problem with your mouth or teeth, seek advice from a dentist.
Good habits should last a lifetime
Good oral health starts in childhood. Establishing regular brushing and healthy eating habits from the time the teeth first appear gives children a good start but looking after our mouths is important at every age.
The basic principles are straightforward: brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, limit exposure to sugary foods and drinks, don’t smoke, keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits, and seek dental advice when problems occur.
Our teeth and gums are easy to take for granted. A few minutes looking after them each day can help prevent pain and infection, preserve our ability to eat comfortably and help us keep our teeth healthy throughout our lives.
- Dr Azeem has been a GP for over 30 years and is also a professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London’s School of Public Health
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
