Did you know that in the UK we only spend £5 a week on our oral health and teeth? Were you aware that this has led to millions of us here in the UK suffering from tooth decay, even more fillings and tooth loss?
Even though we live in a celebrity obsessed culture (who nearly always have beautiful straight white teeth) and bearing in mind that a recent survey highlighted that a person’s smile is their number one stand out feature, us Brits still neglect the basics.
Don’t Look Away Now: Here are the facts!
Poor Oral Health in the UK, according to the Dental Health Foundation has led to:
– Over four-fifths of the population having at least one filling.
– 6 per cent of adults having no natural teeth. - 19 per cent of adults having full or partial dentures.
– 31 per cent of adults having tooth decay.
– 3 in every10 adults suffering from regular dental pain.
Scary stuff, right? But by following some simple steps and investing just a little more time in your oral health, you can keep a whole host of dental health problems at bay.
And remember, a beautiful smile doesn’t always mean a healthy smile. Many of our oral health problems start when we’re young, so it’s important that you not only look after your own gnashers but your children do as well.
“Taking care of your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your overall health,” explains Dr. Ewan Bramley.
“Tooth decay is the most common chronic illness among school-age children and with good oral hygiene and regular dental care, it is almost entirely preventable.”
So, how do you look after your teeth properly? It’s simple.
Follow the Ewan Bramley Dental Care Guide:
1) An Apple a Day
Some foods help keep your mouth and gums clean: Celery, apples, green tea, and dairy products – generally food sources that are rich in vitamins A, C and D are healthy for your teeth.
2) Don’t forget to brush!
Not brushing your teeth and avoiding the dentist can lead to a host of other health problems that are very costly: Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, oral and throat cancer, pneumonia, dangerous immune suppressing bacteria and other diseases have been connected to periodontal disease.
3) Don’t Put a Lid on it.
Where and how you store your toothbrush is important. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to ensure the removal of toothpaste and debris, allow it to air-dry, and store it in an upright position.
4) Don’t over Scrubba Dub Dub.
It would seem like scrubbing your teeth would ensure their cleanliness but harsh brushing can actually harm your gums and teeth. It’s best to use a soft to medium bristle toothbrush to brush the surface of your teeth and gums thoroughly but gently.
5) Twice a Day Keeps The Tooth Decay Away.
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) and visit the dentist for preventative and regular check-ups every six months.
6) Floss and Gloss.
Floss at least once per day between teeth where a brush can’t reach.
7) Lay off those fizzy drinks.
Limit the quantity of soft drinks and sports drinks and instead choose healthy drinks like milk and water.
8) Baby on Board is no time to Skip the Dentist.
Many people think that becoming pregnant means skipping the dentist. Not true! Hormonal changes can have an impact on your dental health, and periodontal disease and decay can lead to problems such as an increased risk of pre-term birth or low birth weight.
Worried about your oral health? Need a good dental hygienist in Newcastle? Ewan Bramley Dental Care takes the oral health of its patients very seriously.
If you’d like more information on how to protect your and your family’s teeth, call 0191 259 6506 today or submit your info here and we’ll set up a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your options.