Brushing your teeth and regularly visiting your dentist are essential for good dental hygiene, for preventing cavities and gingivitis. However, recent research suggests that poor oral hygiene is also linked to some extremely serious health conditions, such as diabetes, dementia, heart disease and many types of oral cancer.
Key takeaways:
– Poor oral hygiene is believed to have strong links to the insulin resistance found in sufferers of diabetes.
– Plaque is found in the mouth and also in the arteries of those suffering from heart disease, and some experts are convinced that this is not a coincidence.
– Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every four months or when the head becomes frayed.
Some other helpful tips? Use mouth wash, opt for sugar-free gum, and cut down on acidic soft drinks and juices. Still have questions? Call your dentist!
You can read the entire article here.
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
