Your toothbrush can tell your future. Or that a dirty smile says more than a clean one? This post covers bizarre dental facts. Ready to start?
Toothbrush Test
Your toothbrush can tell your future. A 2017 study found that toothbrush bacteria can predict future health. Researchers found that dentists can predict your future health by looking at toothbrush bacteria. Your toothbrush bacteria can reveal your risk of heart disease and diabetes to the dentist. If your toothbrush is full of heart disease-causing bacteria, you’re at risk. Strange.
Germs Are Good For You
Changing your toothbrush every few months may not be a good idea. The University of Minnesota found that mouth bacteria can help your body fight viruses and other microbes. The researchers examined healthy adult mouths for bacteria. Friendly bacteria helped people fight viruses and oral cancer-causing bacteria. The researchers found that a diverse mouth bacteria can protect against oral cancer viruses and bacteria.
Gum Disease Remains Dangerous
Gum disease is a serious dental issue. In Canada, gum disease is one of the most common dental problems adults face, but gum disease can begin at just about any age. Gum disease often develops slowly and without causing any pain. Sometimes you may not notice any signs until the disease is serious and you are in danger of losing teeth. While older people are more likely to get it, anyone can. Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, bad breath, and heart disease. Plaque and sugar in the mouth cause the disease. Mouth bacteria ferment sugar into harmful acids. Plaque—a mixture of bacteria, food particles, and saliva—can discolour and inflame teeth. Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, bad breath, and heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes can prevent and treat it.
Toothpaste Benefits
Did you know toothpaste has other uses besides brushing? Studies show that fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities and gum disease. Fluoride in toothpaste strengthens enamel to prevent tooth decay. Most toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide, which fights plaque and cavities. Most importantly, fluoride toothpaste reduces tooth decay by 78%, preventing 4 out of 5 tooth decay events. Because they don’t know toothpaste prevents tooth decay, many don’t brush. Some fluoride-containing toothpastes can prevent cavities and gum disease. The CDC recommends fluoride toothpaste for children 6-18 and adults over 18.
Sugarless Chews Really Do Work
Some sugarless gum brands work. Xylitol-containing gum reduces oral bacteria, plaque, and polyphenol, according to a study. Xylitol gum reduced bacteria by 73%, plaque by 77%, and polyphenols by 77%. By reducing plaque and bacteria, xylitol gum can prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Sugarless gum with xylitol tastes good, works, and has no side effects. Many people don’t chew gum because they don’t know it prevents dental problems and improves oral health.
Wrapping Up
We hope this article revealed some surprising dental facts. You can discuss toothbrushes, germs, gum disease, toothpastes, and more when someone asks about your teeth or dental health. Brush your teeth! Plaque and bacteria can be removed with a strong, soft-bristled toothbrush. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have dental health questions or want a checkup. Visit our dental health facts article!
Always remember:
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time…. Floss everyday.
Change your toothbrush when it looks used.
Visit us every six months.
Eat a healthy diet.
Stay hydrated all day long, and don’t smoke.
Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030
