Recent research linking gum disease to heart disease, diabetes and possibly Alzheimer’s has had lots of us reaching for the floss. But how important is it to look after your teeth and gums – and what’s the best way to do it?
According to the NHS, most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and most people experience it at least once. It’s caused by a build-up of bacterial plaque on the teeth. Some of this is harmless, but some, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, can damage the gums and cause inflammation.
Your essential daily tooth-care routine
Getting your basic oral hygiene right is an important step towards good dental health. We all know brushing twice a day is recommended. But what about flossing? And should you brush before or after eating?
“Some like to brush first thing to remove plaque before eating. Some prefer after breakfast. But if you brush after breakfast, we say to wait 30 minutes because if you’ve eaten something acidic or sugary the enamel on your teeth will be softened, and you need to allow it to start to re-mineralise before brushing,” says Sakina Syed, a hygienist for Bupa Dental Care.
“We generally say you should brush last thing at night and one other time, which is often in the morning. The last thing in your mouth at night should be toothpaste, so clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, then brush, then spit out the excess and leave the rest on the teeth to protect them overnight.”