for the Health of It
(Family Crossings) – Did you know that 85 percent of Americans are so obsessed with brushing their teeth that they keep extra toothbrushes on hand just about everywhere? It’s true! According to a 2008 SpinBrush survey, popular places include a purse or briefcase, the office, the car and even a gym bag.
Knowing this makes it astonishing that every year approximately 32 million workdays are lost due to dental problems. People love brushing, so why are so many having dental problems? It seems like it’s time to get back to the basics about oral care, its effect on overall health and basic brushing. So make oral hygiene a priority … for the health of it!
The Big Picture
It’s been said that the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul. Just the same, the mouth is a window to a person’s health. Harmful bacteria can develop and fester in the mouth – especially if teeth and gums are not well taken care of. Some are concerned that, eventually, these bacteria can make their way into the bloodstream, leading to other infections. But a healthy focus on taking care of your teeth and gums can allow you to breathe easy and worry less.
As Easy As 1-2-3
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be achieved in three easy steps:
- Find a good dentist and visit every six months for a teeth cleaning and check up.
- Floss every day! Flossing helps to remove plaque and decaying food that remains stuck between teeth and can often lead to gum irritation. Lack of flossing can often lead to receding gums and cavities between the teeth.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time, twice a day. Proper brushing can prevent things like gingivitis and gum disease, which causes at least one-third of tooth loss in adults.
It’s All About the Brush
An important part of brushing is having a great toothbrush. While manual brushes have a longer history, adults actually prefer powered-brushes. In fact, the SpinBrush survey showed that two-thirds of those surveyed recognize the efficiency of a powered toothbrush and understand it delivers a deeper clean than a manual brush. The newest innovation in powered toothbrushes is the sonic brush, like the SpinBrush Sonic, which is available in Pro Clean and Pro Whitening variations. Sonic toothbrushes are defined by the high rate of speed that their brush head vibrates. SpinBrush Pro Clean Sonic delivers up to 16,000 strokes per minute, and creates dynamic fluid action that helps to reach in between teeth – where manual brushes may not reach. In fact, it removes up to 95 percent of plaque in hard-to-reach places.
It’s important to be diligent about brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist. It doesn’t take much effort, but it will benefit your teeth – and your health – in the long run.
For more information on oral hygiene, visit www.spinbrush.com. And make oral care a priority … for the health of it.
Chew on this …
The makers of SpinBrush battery powered toothbrushes fielded a survey in 2008 and learned answers to some tooth brushing related questions. Below are some of the unexpected results.
Ladies keep it clean
92 percent of women would rather go a week without shaving their legs than go a week without brushing their teeth.
“Lost” without their toothbrush
Almost 48 percent of Americans say that if they were stuck on a deserted island, having their toothbrush would be more important than having toilet paper.
First impressions
68 percent of people say they would be more embarrassed if they forgot to brush their teeth than if they forgot to put on deodorant.
It’s all about the power (brush)
46 percent of Americans feel that old-fashioned manual toothbrushes are more properly suited to clean bathroom tile grout than their teeth.
When it matters most
33 percent of Americans say they want their teeth especially clean for their wedding; more so than for a big date (18 percent), a job interview (16 percent) or high school reunion (9 percent).
Share and share alike
68 percent of women would never consider sharing a toothbrush with their significant other. On the other hand, nearly half of men (49 percent) are OK with sharing their toothbrush with their significant other, with 19 percent of them feeling comfortable doing so within the first one to three months of a relationship.
Why it matters
Taking care of your mouth is about more than a nice smile. According to the Mayo Clinic and the ADA, oral health may be linked to a number of other health conditions:
Cardiovascular disease: Some research shows that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral health.
Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss and some oral infections. Poor oral health can make it harder to control diabetes.
Osteoporosis: The first stage of bone loss may show up in your teeth. Your dentist may be able to spot this during a routine exam and X-rays.
Pregnancy and birth: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth, so it’s vital to maintain good oral health before and during pregnancy.
