Dentist warns you've been cleaning your teeth wrong

Aug 22, 2023

A dental expert has warned people that if they don't perform their daily oral hygiene properly, there could potentially be fatal consequences - and he shared how to avoid it

Having clean teeth and fresh breath is really important, and when it comes to getting our toothbrush out, we know it should be twice a day, with lots of other steps too such as flossing, mouthwash - and don't forget tongue cleaning! But how often do you actually do every step you're supposed to?

Well, dental expert Dr Sameer Patel has claimed that failing to follow the correct brushing procedures could be fatal in some cases, as poor oral hygiene can lead to not just bad breath and tooth decay - but could also have an impact on your cardiac health.

The founder of Elleven Dental told Mail Online: "Increasingly, studies show the importance of flossing for neurological and cardiac health as well. Flossing removes plaque from below the gum line, which can erode tooth enamel and cause tartar, as well as reduce the risk of gingivitis, cavities, and the likelihood of your gums becoming inflamed, sore, and red. Be sure to floss daily for optimum teeth and gum health, as well as for your overall well-being."

According to research funded by the British Heart Foundation, those who have moderate to severe gum disease have a 69% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And BHF's research also found that not flossing or taking care of your teeth could be fatal, as the inflammation caused by gum disease can damage your blood vessels, including those in your heart, which could then lead to coronary heart disease.

If you have gum disease, you're also at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr Patel also said you must make sure you always brush your teeth as soon as you wake up, and should never wait until after you've eaten breakfast.

This is because bacteria accumulate in our mouths overnight, and eating food before brushing in the morning can feed the bacteria and can form an acid that will attack tooth enamel. But while you should be brushing twice a day, dental experts say that if you insist on only brushing once, then doing so at night is the best time as sleeping with plaque on your teeth can allow it to harden, which is when it needs to be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Do you have a story to share? Email: [email protected]

Get email updates with the day's biggest stories