​Brushing mistake that may be weakening your immunity
We all have been taught that we should brush our teeth twice a day. Brushing our teeth twice a day doesn’t just help avoid cavities and bad breath but also reduces the risk of various illnesses. Poor dental hygiene can have a profound impact on your health and longevity.
Not just this, you will be surprised to know that the base of your every tooth is protected by what’s called biological width. It is a protective gasket, which maintains a healthy immune system by keeping bugs from entering the body from causing infection.
Thus, to have better oral health and better immune system, you can start by taking care of your mouth. Taking care of the mouth involves multiple parts. First and foremost is you must eat healthy to avoid illnesses and other chronic conditions. If your diet is rich in nutrients and low in sugar, your mouth will make less of the decay-causing plaque.
02/5​What is plaque?
Plaque is a byproduct of bacteria in your mouth and sugar in your food and drinks. Plaque is what leads to tooth decay and gum disease. So, if you are susceptible to gum disease or have it currently you can reduce your risk by brushing twice a day and flossing.
According to the American Dental Association, everyone should brush their teeth twice and floss one-two times a day. If you have diabetes or autoimmune disease, you must brush and floss more often. Also, one must see their dentist at least twice a year.
Two minutes brushing might seem too long for a toddler, so you can dance or play their favourite song to make it fun for them. This will motivate them and help pass the time quickly.
03/5​What happens when you don’t brush regularly?
If you don’t brush or get your dental checkup done on time, you can get a bacterial infection. These bacteria from your mouth can get into your bloodstream through diseased gums or places from where your teeth are damaged or missing.
When this happens, your immune system responds and the C-reactive protein or CRP is released from the liver. CRP is a substance that is released in the body when there is any kind of inflammation. This process doesn’t do any harm, but if the CPR is released constantly (possibly due to the bacteria in the mouth leading to inflammation), it can eventually lead to other health conditions.
High levels of CPR in men and women both have been linked to the risk of heart disease. The higher the risk of CPR, the higher the risk you are at.
04/5​Who is at risk?
It’s not just adults who are at the risk of tooth decay, but 40 per cent children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten, which puts them at a greater risk of health issues later in life.
To keep your immune system healthy, it’s best to brush your teeth twice a day. This habit will not only give you a sparkling smile but also keep away the germs from your mouth.
Make sure to use clean water for brushing your teeth as dirty water can do the opposite of what brushing is meant for.
05/5​How to introduce good dental habits in your kids
It’s best to develop good dental hygiene in infancy. New parents should run a clean, damp washcloth over their baby’s gums to remove harmful bacteria. This will also get kids accustomed to having their teeth cleaned, which will make it easier to establish a good dental habit as they age.
Toddlers get ready to brush their teeth on their own at different ages. You can make brushing fun by letting them choose their own toothbrush. Look for a child-friendly toothpaste flavour as the minty flavour can be very hard for them.