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Dental Hygiene, Twooth Timer & YOU!by 2000 Antoinette de Janasz It is safe to assume that everyone knows you should brush and floss your teeth at regularly. But what a lot of people dont know is how long they should brush and why all of this is so important. Parents are always reminding their children to brush their teeth to prevent cavities. We hope if you are one of these parents you follow your own advice--poor oral hygiene may have a more adverse effect on health than just cavities or lost teeth. Consider the mouth as a doorway to the body. "Periodontal disease, like most diseases, affects the entire body," according to Jack Klatell, DDS, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dentistry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine. When bacterial plaque builds up on your teeth, you are at risk for gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, affecting the gum, bone and supporting tissue of the teeth. Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. Heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease have all been linked to gum disease. In a recent National Institute of Health survey, 47% of the males and 37% of the females aged 18-64 exhibited some form of gingival bleeding. Warning Signs
The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable, controllable and treatable. Obviously, prevention is the best choice. According to dental health experts, brushing and flossing, along with twice-yearly professional cleanings, will control the accumulation of plaque in most people. However, it is not only how you brush your teeth that counts but also how long. Experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes after meals or snacks. A study by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne School of Dentistry found that young adults spent less than 35 seconds brushing their teeth. A timer would seem ideal, would it not? (Editor's note: You can get a Twooth Timer at http://www.twoothtimer.com.
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Teeth Brushing Tips
Good dental hygiene is not only for children. A clean mouth or "house" will leave you more immune to infection and therefore not as apt to contract the infectious disease of periodontitis. You should also know that gum disease--from lax dental care--greatly increases the risk of strokes. Aside from the health aspects, adults benefit by having a healthy smile and reducing bad breath. It is never too early or too late to begin taking care of your teeth!
© 2000 Antoinette de Janasz
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