A good dental hygiene

Scrupulous dental habits will reward you with a brighter smile. But the benefits of regular brushing and flossing go way beyond the obvious. What happens in your mouth is irrefutably linked to your immune systemdefine and your overall health.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky substance that is also responsible for tooth decay. When plaque forming bacteria work their way below the gum line, gum disease starts to develop.

Psychological stress can accelerate the progression of plaque by triggering the release of hormonesdefine that help bacteria thrive. Until it becomes severe, gum disease may have no obvious symptoms. At times, it can cause bad breath, loose teeth and swollen gums that bleed easily, especially while brushing.

Dental plaque has even been linked to miscarriage, premature births and a common cause of stomach ulcers.

Preventive steps:

A good dental hygiene helps keep the germs that attack gum tissue in check. The measures include:

• Brush your teeth properly: An ideal two to four minutes of brushing each time helps reaching out for spots that are often missed in lesser brushing duration.

• Floss: Most periodontal disease starts between teeth, in areas that are out of the reach of toothbrush bristles. 40 percent of the tooth surface is missed, if one brushes without flossing.

o Flossing once a day in the evening before bed, is sufficient for a good dental hygiene.

o Use unwaxed floss. Slide the floss into the space between teeth, then move it gently under the gum line, first in the front of each tooth then in the back.

• Keep your mouth moist: If you have a dry mouth, ask your doctor whether it may be a side effect of some medication you are taking regularly. This side effect may occur with some antidepressants, anti-hypertensives and decongestants. Restore the moisture by chewing sugarless gum or using a salivadefine replacement spray.

• Use more than one soft bristled toothbrush: If you rotate brushes, each one has a chance to dry out, eliminating viruses and bacteria that thrive on moisture. Replace your brushes every few months or sooner if the bristles start to splay.