This two-part article series answers some of the questions people frequently ask about oral healthcare and hygiene.

The health of your teeth and gums speak volumes about your general health and well-being, say Coral Springs dentists. Oral conditions, such as periodontal (gum) disease are linked with other serious and potentially fatal ailments that affect the rest of the body. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, strokes, osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. When you consider that patients presenting with poor oral health (cavities, oral bacterial infections and gum disease) have mouths teeming with bacteria, this relationship is not hard to understand, say Coral Springs dentists.

Coral Springs Dentists: Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection

The mouth provides a direct portal into the body’s digestive, blood and respiratory system. So, if you are walking around with an acute and chronic oral bacterial infection of the gums, periodontitis, your general health is as at risk of developing some nasty ailment as your teeth are of falling out! But the relationship goes both ways, say Coral Springs dentists. For example, uncontrolled diabetes-sufferers are at a greater risk of developing cavities, oral infections and gum disease.

Now, you may initially believe the connection between mouth and body to be a fragile one, but one British study revealed infrequent brushers to be 70% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those who are meticulous about their oral health and hygiene! What does this mean? You may be thinking: “I brush! I sometimes floss! I should be fine.” Well, if the statistics are to be believed, you’re not, say Coral Springs dentists. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, a staggering 85% of all American adults present with some form or stage of gum disease! And in 99% of all cases, this is a result of poor oral hygiene and neglect. But it’s not too late to turn the tables on the bacteria that have colonized your teeth and gums! In this two-part article series, Coral Springs dentists will address some of your top concerns regarding the health and care of your pearly whites.

FAQ # 1: What should I be doing every day to really look after my teeth?

Coral Springs Dentists Answer: Your home oral hygiene routine should include twice-daily brushes (spending two minutes at a time) and flossing before bedtime, say Coral Springs dentists. This is really the minimum you should be doing every single day to look after your teeth and gums. You could also incorporate an anti-bacterial mouthwash into your regime and limit the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks you consume. Drink more water, advise Coral Springs dentists.

FAQ # 2: Are electric tooth brushes better than manual ones?

Coral Springs Dentists Answer: Studies are mixed, but the general opinion is that electric toothbrushes are indeed better. This is because, at 40,000 strokes per minute, they are more thorough in their cleaning. They also tend to prevent people from brushing too hard, which could otherwise lead to erosion of the dental enamel. Many of these toothbrushes come with built-in timers, say Coral Springs dentists, which compels people to brush for those full two minutes. The only real downside is that electric toothbrushes tend to be quite expensive, although there are cheaper battery-operated products that do the same thing, say Coral Springs dentists.

FAQ # 3: What is the best kind of floss?

Coral Springs Dentists Answer: Shopping for floss can prove to be quite daunting when there are such an incredible variety of products to choose from. At the end of the day, say Coral Springs dentists, the most important thing is that you do floss. The particular kind of floss makes no difference; it is merely a matter of personal preference. They all do the same thing. So if you prefer your floss waxed and tasting of peppermint, then so be it!

Coral Springs Dentists: Stay Tuned

To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions, stay tuned for the second part of this article series, courtesy of Coral Springs Dentists.