6 things you didn’t know about your oral health
March 20, 2020
This article was previously published on Sunstar GUM’s brand page.
Taking care of your oral health is more important than you think. Follow the recommendations of the Sunstar GUM oral care experts:
1. Gum health is the gateway to your general health
Your gums play a bigger role in your oral (and general) health than you might think. They help shield your body from infections and complications – so when your gum health is challenged, the rest of your body is, too. In fact, gum disease has been linked to a number of serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and strokes. About 20% of middle-aged adults (35-44 years) and 40% of older adults (65-75 years) in Europe alone1 suffer from severe gum disease. Help protect your gums by gently cleaning your gum line and in-between your teeth to remove and prevent the build-up of plaque.
2. Tooth decay is permanent, and can’t be reversed
Unlike the rest of your body, enamel – the critical protective layer of our teeth – doesn’t have living cells, meaning it can’t repair itself. Once it’s damaged, all you can do is try to prevent further decay. Take a proactive approach to tooth health with toothpaste and mouth rinse products that contain fluoride to protect and remineralize your teeth.
3. Plaque is your biggest enemy
Plaque is the source of all (or most) evil. It’s a harmful mass of bacteria living in your mouth that feeds off of sugars and leftover foods. Plaque starts out being sticky, and colorless, but when it’s not eliminated, it turns into yellow tartar that’s totally impossible to remove without the help of a dentist. This leads to the damaging of your enamel, because the bacteria transforms the leftover foods and sugars into acids, causing cavities, tooth decay (ouch!) and gum disease. Make sure to remove and prevent plaque by brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth after every meal.
4. Your mouth contains over 800 different types of bacteria!
The mouth is a very complex ecosystem. The average healthy oral cavity contains about 800 different types of bacteria, with each tooth holding more than a billion bacteria. When your oral flora is balanced, your body has a strong natural defense system to prevent the onset of disease. But when there’s an imbalance, your immune system is more vulnerable, which makes you more susceptible to oral health complications. Make sure to use gentle products, without harsh substances, so as to not offset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth, keeping
their habitat just right.
5. Are you engaged in sports? Your oral health might be affecting your performance
People who practice exercise regularly tend to follow certain habits such as drinking sugary beverages or pushing their bodies to the limit which worsen the oral condition. At the same time, poor oral health can negatively impact on the sports’ performance, withdrawing from competition in the worst cases. According to the experts, any sports fan should follow these recommendations: brushing the teeth twice a day, interdental brushing and mouthwash, and dental check-up twice a year. Also, it is highly recommended to wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports.
6. Good oral health calls for more than just brushing your teeth
To make sure that you get the best results, it’s recommended that you use a 3-step
approach to your oral care:
- Brush your teeth
- Gently clean between your teeth and along the gum line using interdentals or floss to clean areas that can’t be reached with a toothbrush.
- Use a mouth rinse to remineralize your enamel and to cover more areas, preventing the buildup of plaque.
Notes
1. http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/oral-health/data-and-statistics
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