compiled by Martin Flynn
Banish bad breath
and ditch gum disease: our tips on teeth will leave you all smiles
The
month for your mouth
Do you fear ending up looking like Austin Powers with yellow teeth? Want a
better smile and image? May is the month to remedy all those bad oral health
habits as the British Dental Health Foundation stages the 30th National Smile
month, the UK’s biggest oral health campaign, running from 14 May to
13 June.
People with gum disease may be at greater risk of heart, lung disease and
other health problems, so good oral health isn’t just a cosmetic luxury,
it’s a must-do.
And poor dental care can affect more than just the mouth. Research has found
people make judgements about a person’s social and intellectual abilities
based on how their teeth look.
Additionally, oral problems such as tooth loss, gum disease, stained teeth
and bad breath can have a big impact on a person’s confidence and overall
happiness.
Clean and serene hygiene
As kids we’re told to clean our teeth and avoid eating too many sweets,
but dental hygiene involves more than just a daily brush and extends beyond
childhood. Our teeth help us chew and digest food, talk, and pronounce sounds
clearly. They also shape our face and express our personality.
For people living with HIV, the state of our immune system is usually expressed
in the state of our teeth and gums. Oral candida (thrush in the mouth), is
often one of the early symptoms of HIV infection and it’s not unusual
for dentists to be the first health professionals to pick up on early signs
of the illness.
HIV can affect your mouth
Other oral health problems associated with HIV include dry mouth, often linked
with antiretrovirals, mouth sores and ulcers, gum disease (gingivitis), as
well as bone loss from the jaw which leads to the loosening and, in some cases,
loss of teeth. Sore mouth and bleeding gums have been associated with the
oral transmission of HIV in a small number of cases. People who smoke or drink
a lot of alcohol or coffee have worse teeth and unhealthier gums. So good
oral health is essential for people living with the virus. And a good brushing
technique is important thing to learn, and if necessary, re-learn.
Brush up on brushing
Take your time with brushing and gently does it; take at least four or five
minutes and turn off the tap during brushing to save water.
Use round, soft moves, massaging gums, rather than brushing too vigorously
(which wears away enamel). Use a soft, interdental brush or dental floss to
clean out any gunk between your pearly whites which can lead to plaque and
infection.
Regarding toothpaste, some dentists argue against whitening pastes while others
advise using gentler products. Using a good fluoride mouthwash will help gum
infections and, if you gargle, it can stop you getting sore throats.
But if your gums are bleeding or sore, use warm, salty water to kill off bugs.
Everything we place in our mouths affects our oral health, so be aware of
the affect of bad diet, sweet drinks and the more esoteric sexual habits.
Spit or swallow?
The question about whether to spit or swallow after oral sex generates much
heated debate, as does advice on brushing your teeth following sex, rather
than before it.
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals is reputed to lower the pH in the mouth
and aid digestion. Even chemicals (polyphenols) in red wine have been linked
to the blocking of free radicals, high levels of which damage gum tissue.
Your HIV clinic will be able to advise on local dentists who are specialists
in treating people with the virus, but you are advised to be persistent, as
good NHS dentists are hard to come by. Find out more by reading the feature,
Like Pulling Teeth, on page 26.Going private is another option but it’s
not cheap. Another idea is to get a new set of teeth abroad, with Brazil and
India offering cheap private dentistry. But unfortunately with variable and
varying standards.So if you want to avoid losing your teeth, as well as looking
and smelling better and being more attractive, now is the time to take action
with your oral health.
• British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) Helpline: 0845 063 1188 (Mon
to Fri, 9am-5pm).
• www.dentalhealth.org.uk
• www.nationalsmilemonth.org
