Scientific researchers are discovering new ways to protect your smile
It's time to start taking care of your teeth and develop a new healthy mouth routine. To start, floss and brush your teeth twice a day. But the old favourites are not the only ways you can improve your oral health. Here, four of the latest studies highlight the newest ways to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Drink more green tea.
New research from Japan has found your every cup lowers your risk of three of the main symptoms of gum disease — bleeding, reduced attachment of the teeth to the gums and enlargement of the pockets between them. It’s believed ingredients called catechins in green tea reduce inflammation linked to gum issues.
Skip the sports drinks unless you’re working out
They’re shaping up to be a major cause of tooth erosion, say researchers at New York University, especially if sipped throughout the day. If you’re drinking them during exercise, avoid swishing drinks around your mouth and wait at least 30 minutes after your last sip before brushing.
Quit smoking
New research ahs found the Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria (linked to gum disease) thrives on cigarette smoke. When exposed to smoke, the bug actually changes structure, which prevents our immune system seeing it as a threat. This could be why smokers are more prone to gum disease — and why it’s harder to treat them, too.
Beware when bleaching
A study of home-whitening treatments found teeth get thinner and their ability to withstand force is reduced by up to 18.8 percent. If you do want to whiten your teeth, use products exactly as directed and swap to enamel boosting toothpastes, which may help lessen some of the impact.
 | For more on this issue pick up the July issue of Good Health. Get a great subscription deal on Good Health magazine at magshop.co.nz.
|
Home