Your mouth is incredible. You do so much with it, and more importantly, to, all day - everyday. Every single thing you put into your mouth is covered in germs - and there could be as many as seven billion bateria in your mouth at any one time. 

Health on Female First

Health on Female First

Yesterday saw the start of National Smile Month - a whole month dedicated to the health of our mouths. 

With the help of Listerine we've decided to help you decode the language of your mouth and give you some quick facts about oral health. 

Decoding the language of the mouth

Plaque: Dental plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria which forms constantly on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. 

Cavity: After constant attack (eg. from fizzy drinks and acidic fruits), the tooth enamel breaks down, forming a hole or cavity. 

Tartar: When plaque is not removed, it can harden and form tartar. Tartar can usually only be removed by a dentist or a dental hygienst.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums can cause a range of symptoms from swollen, reddened gums, to bleeding and infection. 

Flouride: Flouride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces acid, making teeth more resistant to decay.

Fast facts about oral health

  • There are 7.3 billion bacteria in the human mouth which is more bacteria than there are people in the world
  • The average time spent brushing is just 45 seconds while the recommended time is 2 minutes
  • Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also the main cause of bad breath (halitosis)
  • There is some evidence to suggest that poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases such as heart attack and angina, and other blood vessel-related problems (cardiovascular disease) 
  • About 15-30 per cent of the adult population suffers from bad breath on a regular basis
  • One in ten Brits reveal they have gone three days or more without brushing their teeth and over 700,000 Brits admit in the past, they have neglected brushing for more than a month
  • Nearly half of the UK population, over 28 million people, admit to using the infamous '3 second rule'; dropping food on the floor and deciding to eat it if picked up within 3 seconds
  • 12 million Brits admit to never using mouthwash and over 18 million never floss

Femalefirst Taryn Davies

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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