Brush your teeth twice a day Several previous studies have shown that inflammation in the mouth – in the gums, for example – is linked with clogged arteries and heart disease. This is the first time researchers have looked at how frequency of teeth-brushing might affect our heart health.
Looking at data from 11,000 people, the researchers assessed information about family history of heart disease, blood pressure, oral hygiene habits and also took blood samples to check for indicators of inflammation. The researchers then linked this information with hospital admissions and deaths data.
Once they’d adjusted the figures to take other factors into account – such as obesity and smoking, for example – they found that those who said they didn’t brush their teeth twice a day were 70% more likely to develop heart disease. While that sounds a lot, the overall risk was low.
- Use a toothbrush with a small head. It’s easier to manoeuvre around your mouth.
- Use a circular motion to ensure you clean thoroughly.
- Take time to cover all areas – especially the backs of your teeth and hard-to-reach teeth towards the back of your mouth.
- Clean them over a basin or bowl filled with water. If you drop them, they won’t break.
- Use a soft or medium brush to avoid scratching the surface.
- Even if you soak your dentures in a solution overnight, you still need to brush them.
First published June 2, 2010