New Year’s Resolutions – Have you stuck to yours?

Many people focus on diet and exercise but don’t realise how important dental hygiene is to the overall health of our bodies.

Good oral hygiene procedures can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and respiratory diseases. If your gums bleed when you brush, you could well be in danger of any of the diseases above.

Bacteria found in dental plaque is associated with these conditions. Dental plaque is the soft white film which forms over your teeth that you can sometimes see if you scrape your fingernail across your tooth.

This plaque never stops forming; hence effective, efficient regular removal is important in preventing disease, both dental and non-dental. Every dentist and hygienist will stress the importance of good oral hygiene which includes flossing as well as good tooth brushing technique.
Remember it’s not just the time you are spending cleaning your teeth that’s important; it’s the technique. Have you been shown the correct technique? Has your hygienist watched you brush and floss your teeth? Do you know which areas need improving?

Keeping fit throughout the year, every year includes your teeth and gums!