Knowing how to look after your teeth may seem like an obvious endeavour – brushing, flossing, etc etc etc…. However, statistics suggest that the British public may need educating when it comes to looking after and preserving their natural teeth:
- 1 in 4 adults don’t brush their teeth the recommended twice a day.
- 1 in 3 people have never flossed.
- 2% of the population have never visited a dentist.
- Half of Brits fail to visit the dentist for a check-up every 2 years.
Don’t skip check-ups!
The value of regular dentist check-ups is difficult to measure, which is perhaps one of the reasons why most of don’t visit until abnormalities manifest themselves. Complications with your teeth, particularly gum disease and tooth decay, present very little by way of symptoms and pain and discomfort may only present itself when the condition is severe. Think of dental check-ups as an investment into your dental health later on in life – your dentist can help identify any problems which may have otherwise developed into something more serious later down the line. Remember, your teeth are the only part of your body that cannot repair themselves.
Never make an excuse not to brush
As mentioned above, 25% of British adults don’t brush their teeth twice a day. This is particularly problematic if you don’t brush before bedtime; food particles that become lodged in your teeth will be there all night long and able to multiply and cause gum disease.
Lifestyle choices
It’s no secret that certain lifestyle choices will affect the speed at which your dental health declines. One such lifestyle factor is smoking and there are a number of complications that arise as a result of regularly smoking. Mouth cancer, dry mouth, tooth loss, accelerated gum disease, yellow and stained teeth – these are just a handful of the most prominent issues. You can read more about the dental health issues that arise from smoking here.
Corner House Dental can help you develop the right dental health habits in order to improve your oral health. We also offer a range of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments that can improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help to improve your confidence as well as your health.