Your mouth is a gateway to your body and contains over 20 billion bacteria that reproduces every five years. Your teeth affect your overall health, and if a person does not brush their teeth regularly and does not visit the dentist, they are putting themselves at risk of developing serious health-related issues. Gum disease may increase the risk of all kinds of other health complications including strokes, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and heart diseases. Gum disease can also cause problems in pregnancy and dementia.
Hudgell Solicitors conducted a research on UK residents and their fear of dental appointments and how this impacts their overall health.
The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,001 respondents aged 16 and over and it noted that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of Brits’ admitted to cancelling or delaying dental appointments due to fear.
Four out of five of Brits admitted to being scared of the dentists and a large number of people are letting their dental phobia get the better of them.
Cities with the worst teeth according to research:
- Sheffield
- Brighton
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- London
- Norwich
- Leeds
- Belfast
The link between oral health and overall body health is well documented and backed by robust scientific evidenc
Doctor Nigel Carter
Sheffield has 42 per cent of people who haven’t been to the dentist in the last two years, with Brighton having 41 per cent and followed closely with Manchester having 40 per cent of residents who have not been to the dentist in the last two years.
The NHS advises that people should see their dentist at least once a year and according research, over a third of Britons have not been to the dentist in the last two years, while 12 per cent have not visited the dentist in the last decade.
Doctor Nigel Carter explained: “The link between oral health and overall body health is well documented and backed by robust scientific evidence.
“Despite this, only one in six people realises that people with gum disease may have an increased risk of stroke or diabetes, and only one in three are aware of the heart disease link.”
Scientific studies published in the British medical journal looking at the association between gum disease and the heart are a cause for concern.
The research concluded that patients with cardiovascular disease, especially with heart valve deficiencies, should have their periodontal status regularly checked.
The research concluded that patients with cardiovascular disease, especially with heart valve deficiencies, should have their periodontal status regularly checked.
Research published in the American Heart journal established an association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease and noted that gums are susceptible to becoming chronically infected, creating bacteria and inflammation that can spend to other areas, particularly the heart.
Dentist Michael Kowalczyk said: “Bacteria from the mouth travels through the bloodstream and reaches the heart, and can attach to any damaged area and cause inflammation.”
Luckily, getting into the habit of brushing your teeth properly and looking after your gums can reduce the risk of health problems.
Its advised to brush teeth for a full two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Visit your dentist regularly for deep cleaning and check-ups. If you are pregnant, it is vital that you look after your oral health.
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