Oral hygiene ‘good for general health’

Posted by Joanne Mellor

Dental patients have been reminded their oral hygiene has an impact on their general health.

Oral health professionals may therefore wish to stress the importance of brushing teeth thoroughly in their dental marketing campaigns.

According to Dr Brian Franks, clinical director of dentistry for Bupa Health and Wellbeing, stated bacteria in dental plaque will build up if teeth are not brushed properly.

In turn, this can lead to inflammation and disease in other parts of the body, with Dr Franks adding: “There is no doubt that good oral hygiene is important; if plaque build up is left for a long time, it can lead to tooth loss and gum disease.”

The specialist advised patients to spend two minutes brushing their teeth at the start and the end of their day in order to maintain good standards of oral hygiene.

Dr Howard R Gamble, president of the Academy of General Dentistry in the US, recently noted brushing immediately after eating can lead to erosion, the New York Times reported.