Can You Afford Not To Brush Your Teeth?

Several studies that suggest there is an association between advanced gum disease and heart disease or stroke…Following on from our article last week about healthy gums in babies I decided to to write an updated piece on the general health of gums and how it can impact on and reflect our overall health.

Whilst we seem to focus on our teeth, and how white or bright they can be, having healthy gums should not be overlooked.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well-supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased.

Failure to have healthy gums can lead to gum disease (periodontitis) and other more serious oral care and health issues.

Benefits of Healthy Gums

Rather than delve into what to do to get healthy gums lets first look at YOUR BENEFITS of having healthy gums – as in reality that is what is important to you and your family.  

Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis, advanced gum disease,  and other, more serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

SAVE TIME – how I hear you ask. If you have unhealthy gums you are going to spend more time at the dentist,which takes valuable time out of your hectic lifestyle

SAVE MONEY – perhaps slightly more obvious however cavity fills, root canals, tooth extractions and other comprehensive dental procedures are very expensive. Slowing this process down or better stopping it all together will help you save money for other important personal and family expenses.

REDUCE PAIN – regular brushing & flossing will reduce the build up of plaque on the teeth, in between the teeth and prevent bacteria build up around the gums. This will help reduce the amount of tooth decay and therefore cavities = toothache.

WHITER TEETH MEANS A NICER SMILE – Of course beauty and looking good are paramount to us all and nobody wants to suffer the ‘Curse of the Yellow Teeth’. Regular cleaning, home teeth whitening, brushing, flossing and polishing will provide a greatly improved smile

So we have looked at the benefits of having healthy gums, no lets consider what you have to do to actually have healthy gums.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums

You cannot afford not to brush your teeth. I know its late, your tired its too easy just to jump into bed and brush in the morning.

If you cant be bothered to brush & floss your teeth at least twice per day you are going to pay the price.

It is going to take commitment, time and a concerted effort to get into ‘good practice’, however with the endless benefits lets look at how to maintain healthy gums

TOOTHBRUSH – When selecting your toothbrush it is important, ideally to seek a soft bristled brush that has varying heights of bristles. This means that the bristles get in all the hard to reach places.

If a soft bristle brush does not do the job, then up grade to a medium bristle strength brush. However do not rub or scrub the teeth or gums, use a gentle up and down action and let the brush to the work.

Even more so if you choose a battery or rechargeable toothbrush, do not press on to hard. It is also highly recommended by all dentists that you change your toothbrush or replacement heads at least once every 3 months.

TOOTHPASTE - The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. (1) Comprehensive all-in-one formulas such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste can provide a number of benefits that help care for your teeth and gums for a healthy mouth.

DENTAL FLOSS – It is very important to floss. A tooth has five sides, however a toothbrush can only reach three of them. There are some very good floss products available and a deep cleaning non shred (waxed / unwaxed) floss will help dramatically reduce the amount of bacteria stored in between the teeth

GUM STIMULATOR – Whilst not normally considered a standard oral care product a gum stimulater will help you keep clean and healthy gums. This simple device features a rubber tip that is used to gently clean and stimulate gums for good circulation and to help prevent gum disease.

Nobody likes toothache, everybody wants good health and a really good oral care program will go a long way to maintaing both of these and of course having a great smile.

Sources - http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums