The benefits of this dental cleansing tool
About five years ago, I got myself a dental hygienist.
A bit late in the day, I’ll admit.
For years I thought I was already fairly diligent in the dental department. Brushing twice daily, a bit of flossing when I remembered to do it…
Surely my teeth were okay?
But oh boy, was that first session awful.
For about an hour she scraped my teeth and whizzed that awful little brush around the bit between enamel and gum, sending agonising bolts of nerve pain through my body.
And that was just HALF of my teeth.
I had to slink back the following week, like a naughty schoolboy, to get the rest done in another gruelling hour-long session.
The hygienist then scolded me for my complacency and sent me packing with a recommendation to get a water flosser.
So I bought one but it sat in its box for a while.
That was until one cold winter’s day, when I finally decided to give it a go.
A jet of freezing water shot between my teeth, shocking the nerves and making me squeal.
It was quite the shock.
But I got used to it – and kept it up, because I was quite shocked by how many tiny bits of food had been trapped between my teeth, and in the pockets where my gum had receded over the years,
What’s more, I’d just brushed and flossed!
So this was supposed to be the CLEAN version of my mouth.
Since then, I spend longer on my teeth than ever in my life – sometimes longer than it takes to write these emails,
And it has paid off…
My hygiene appointments are now much quicker, painless affairs.
But I don’t say this to show off – but to emphasise the importance of keeping your mouth in good order.
Because poor oral health—especially chronic gum disease—could be a risk factor for dementia.
According to Eddie Crouch, Chair of the British Dental Association: “There’s emerging evidence that poor oral health – plaque formation, gum disease and tooth loss – is a risk factor for dementia.”
You see, when gum disease takes hold, bacteria from the inflamed tissues can enter your bloodstream. From there, it travels to your heart, liver and even your brain.
Some new studies have found that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease show up in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s.
Others suggest it may trigger inflammation and immune responses that accelerate brain degeneration.
In other words, the little bits of detritus stuck in your gums could end up affecting your mind!
Anyway, I definitely recommend a water flosser – but if you are a sensitive type, try warm the water first unless you want to feel like someone has taken an ice-pick to your skull!
