Look after your smile ...and safeguard your oral health from diseases like cancer

 Looking after oral health is vital and now a link has been found between the build-up of plaque and serious health problems. You may think that by brushing your teeth twice a day you will help keep your mouth healthy. But do you brush for long enough? And do you keep up with your dental appointments? Many of us are avoiding regular sessions in the dentist's chair, and more than one in five say we can't afford dental treatment. 

    And as for flossing, well sometimes it just seems like hassle. But neglecting our gnashers can have serious consequences. Looking after oral health is vital and now a link has been found between the build-up of plaque and serioushealth problems. 
    Researchers in Sweden have discovered people with the most bacteria on the surface of their teeth and gums have an 80 per cent increased risk of premature death, particularly from cancer. "People who have bad oralhealth seem to be suffering more from certain diseases than those who don't," concurs Dr Peter Frost. It's believed oral bacteria can escape into the bloodstream and injure major organs. "There's now a large body of evidence that patients with gum disease have higher levels of cancer, heart disease, low-birth weight babies, diabetes, dementia and arthritis," says Dr Nigel Carter. So how can we keep our mouths healthy? 
SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 
Standards set by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) state that we shouldn't leave longer than 24 months between dental appointments. 
    But, says Dr Frost, this isn't nearly enough. "If you have gum (or periodontal) problems you should see your dentist every six months. "Those with good oral hygiene should go every 10 months." If you leave it any longer you risk irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. If you are worried about the cost, most practices take NHS patients. 
BRUSH THOROUGHLY 
Twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is still enough, but brush properly. Dr Carter says, "On average, we only brush for 45 seconds each time, when it should be done for two minutes to clean the surfaces of all teeth and remove harmful bacteria that can result in a build-up of plaque. 
    "Establish a routine early in young children, while you still supervise, so they get into the habit of brushing for long enough." Always wait an hour to brush teeth after eating or drinking fruit juice, as acidic foods and drink soften the tooth enamel and leave it prone to damage. 
CHEW GUM AFTER MEALS 
Saliva is the tooth's natural protective mechanism, and chewing gum helps produce it. "When we eat, sugars in our food meet bacteria and create plaque acid, which eventually erodes the teeth and causes cavities. Saliva neutralises the plaque acid," says Dr Carter. Chew sugar-free gum after a meal or snack to increase saliva flow. 
SEE A HYGIENIST 
"It's worth seeing a dental hygienist every three to six months," says Dr Frost. "A hygienist will remove the deposits of tartar, hardened plaque, that builds up on the teeth and teaches you how to prevent it coming back. "This goes a long way towards slowing the progress of gum disease and tooth decay." This is vital to reduce the possibility of tooth loss and developing serious health conditions like cancer. The price of a scale and polish can vary depending on what needs to be carried out, so ask your hygienist how much it will cost beforehand. 
USE A MOUTHWASH 
This can be useful if it has additional effects, such as preventing decay or build-up of bacteria. But be warned, mouthwashes can't replace brushing. Some contain antibacterial ingredients that work against the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath and plaque. Ask your dentist for the most suitable mouthwash for you. 
MONITOR YOUR GUMS 
Our gums naturally start to recede as we age, but this can also indicate gum disease. Look out for bleeding gums as this is the first sign of the condition and means you need to see a dentist. Gum disease can, if left untreated, cause tooth loss. More teeth are lost this way than through tooth decay. 
    Daily Mirror 
CLEAN BETWEEN TEETH 
A lot of decay and gum diseases occurs between the teeth caused by food debris and the build-up of plaque, so this area shouldn't be neglected. Floss once a day by sliding it gently up and down between your teeth, then curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Dr Carter recommends interdental brushes. "They come in different sizes for different gaps and are less fiddly and easier to use." 
SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE 
Many toothbrushes have a scraper on the back for cleaning the tongue. Contrary to popular belief, the bacteria it removes is not connected to serioushealth conditions — but removing it may make us more pleasant to be around. "Tongue scraping gets rid of the sulphur-producing bacteria that lives on the back of the tongue that can cause halitosis," explains Dr Carter. So if you want fresh breath confidence, it's well worth working this into your routine.

IT'S A MUST: Visit your dentist every six months

REMEMBER: Floss at least once a day