Oral health: 'A forgotten New Year resolution'

28th December 2011 - Resolving to take better care of our teeth would have a positive impact on our all-round health, a charity says.

The British Dental Health Foundation says at a time when an estimated 30 million adults in the UK are considering making a New Year resolution, very few will make oral health a priority, despite benefits that go beyond teeth and gums.

It is urging people to put taking care of their teeth on the priority list, along with more traditional resolutions like stopping smoking, losing weight and taking more exercise.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health problems in the UK, with 55% of adults having one or more decayed teeth. The condition is also a serious problem for children. It is estimated that between 52% and 77% of children aged eight to 15 have some obvious tooth decay in their permanent teeth.

The British Dental Health Foundation says around 19 out of 20 people will have gum disease at some point in their lives. Its chief executive Dr Nigel Carter says in a statement: "It is very surprising that so few people make improved oral health a New Year resolution.  Our research shows that only one in two people are happy with their teeth, with tooth loss and stained or yellow teeth of concern to many."

All-round health benefits

The Foundation stresses that good oral health has benefits that go beyond our mouths.

Dr Carter continues: "There is an increasing body of clinical evidence of the systemic links between poor oral health and some of the biggest causes of serious poor health and death in the UK.  Gum disease may contribute to the furring of the arteries which can cause heart disease.  People with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes.

"Even pregnant women who have gum disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is premature and with a low birth weight."

Good oral healthcare

The NHS has these tips for looking after your teeth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day - morning and evening
• Spend at least three minutes each time
• Always use a fluoride toothpaste
• Use a small toothbrush so that you can reach the back teeth, applying no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults
• Flossing is very important as the toothbrush does not always reach the gaps between the teeth
• Do not brush too hard - this can damage gums
• Limit your consumption of sugar and starchy foods
• Visit your dentist regularly

Dr Carter says in addition to the health benefits of good oral care, there is a boost to our sense of well being that comes with good teeth. "Having the confidence to smile shapes our image and is hugely important to relationships," he says. "When it comes to attraction, surveys have shown that a smile is even more important than the face, eyes, dress sense, body shape, hair and height."