22 May 2017
Why You Should Always Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice daily is recommended by the American Dental Association as is visiting the dentist at least yearly. Flossing should also be done every day but what happens if you fall short of these standards?
Quite apart from the obvious possible dental problems and a less than confident smile, there can be more serious consequences according to a recent article by Melanie Aman.
– Diabetes. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a resistance to insulin and possibly diabetes.
– Dementia. A study of older people who had not brushed their teeth every day revealed they were from 22% to 65% more prone to dementia.
– Heart Disease. Although it has yet to be proven, there appears to be a direct link between oral bacteria and plaque clogging the arteries of the heart.
Ms. Aman further reports that poor oral hygiene can also be a contributory factor in various cancers but all is not doom and gloom. As the article states “if you brush and floss as your dentist tells you” then you are well on your way to healthy teeth and a carefree smile.
Melanie Aman’s article can be found at http://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/brush-your-teeth-here-s-why-127863.