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Poor Oral Health Goes Beyond Periodontal Diseases
Brushing your teeth is about so much more than the aesthetic appeal of a bright white smile. It’s also about reducing the incidence of plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all of which pose risks to your general health, explains renowned Johannesburg dentist, Dr Hoosen.
Getting your oral hygiene into tip top shape you can reduce the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. In fact, recent research suggests that those with periodontal disease are two times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those not afflicted by this condition,” explains Dr Hoosen.
Therefore periodontal disease goes beyond oral health! The theory is that oral bacteria can circulate through the blood stream thereby causing damage to the inside lining of blood vessels, promoting the development of clots which can lead to a heart attack. Similarly, if the blood vessels that distribute blood to the brain are damaged and become occluded due to clot formation, a stroke may likely ensue. This notion is supported by a recent article posted on the American Academy of Periodontology that suggests a link between gum disease and heart diseases and strokes.
It’s clear why brushing your teeth is so important. However, according to research conducted by Oral-B which surveyed 16 000 participants, most people do not brush for the prescribed two minutes twice a day, too much pressure is applied and they aren’t thorough enough in their technique.
Dr Hoosen also points out the importance of regular visits to your dentist. “We all know that it’s important to brush, floss, and eat a balanced diet, however, we tend to forgot those all-important trips to the dentist. Regular dental visits can help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums as well as removing the plaque and tartar that can lead to the increased risk of heart diseases and strokes.”
Ensuring you give your teeth the attention they need day and night is also made easier thanks to the range of Oral-B power toothbrushes. Too many of us believe that brushing manually is good enough, which is not always the case. So take back your power in the fight against oral diseases and switch to an Oral-B power tooth brush. Make sure you join the power revolution this Oral Health Awareness Month.
Ask a Dental expert a question.
(Press release from Oral-B, September 2012)
