Life

In my view... brush and floss to protect your heart and brain

We should all brush our teeth twice or even three times daily
We should all brush our teeth twice or even three times daily We should all brush our teeth twice or even three times daily

TAKING care of your teeth is more important than ever, as many people are struggling to get a dental appointment, according to the patient watchdog Healthwatch.

There is now clear evidence that gum disease and overall health are linked.

The early stage of the condition, known as gingivitis, triggers an inflammatory process. This not only causes localised swelling and often bleeding, but also raises the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

All this places a premium on the need for regular and careful oral hygiene, not least as dental plaque – the mass of bacterial colonies in the mouth – begins to form within 24 hours if brushing and flossing is abandoned.

We should all brush our teeth twice or even three times daily, using an electric or manual toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. We must floss every day, too.

Beyond the discomfort and mouth pain, it may also help prevent a stroke or a heart attack.