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Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Over half the adult population in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26052472">UK and US</a> have gum disease. Typical treatments include <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">mouthwash</a> and in severe cases, <a href="https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/vetn.2017.8.10.542">antibiotics</a>. These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a> and increased <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">blood pressure</a>. But research has indicated that a molecule called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which is found in leafy green vegetables, has fewer side effects and offers greater benefits for oral health. And it could be used as a natural alternative for treating oral disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing leads to the build up of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">dental plaque</a>, a sticky layer of bacteria, on the surface of teeth and gums. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. Sugary and acidic foods, dry mouth, and smoking can also contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum infections. The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Gingivitis</a> causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Periodontitis</a> is a more advanced form of gum disease, causing damage to the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can therefore, lead to tooth loss and, when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, can also contribute to the development of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015163">systemic disorders</a> such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. <h2>Leafy greens may be the secret</h2> Leafy greens and root vegetables are bursting with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000312">vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants</a> – and it’s no secret that a diet consisting of these vegetables is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system, and preventing <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2048004016661435">heart disease, cancer and diabetes.</a> The multiple health benefits of leafy greens are partly because spinach, lettuce and beetroots are brimming with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which can be reduced to nitric oxide by nitrate-reducing bacteria inside the mouth. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7zrRlMGeBes?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Popeye knew a thing or two about the health benefits of eating leafy greens. Boomerang Official, 2017.</figcaption></figure> Nitric oxide is known to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295222004191">lower blood pressure</a> and improve <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">exercise performance</a>. However, in the mouth, it helps to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and reduces <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">oral acidity</a>, both of which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. As part of our research on nitrate and oral health, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">we studied competitive athletes</a>. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9839431/">Athletes are prone to gum disease</a> due to high intake of carbohydrates – which can cause inflammation of the gum tissues – stress, and dry mouth from breathing hard during training. Our study showed that beetroot juice (containing approximately 12 <a href="https://www.nursingtimes.net/students/an-easy-guide-to-mmols-09-02-2012/">millimole</a> of nitrate) protected their teeth from acidic sports drinks and carbohydrate gels during exercise – suggesting that nitrate could be used as a prebiotic by athletes to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Nitrate offers a lot of promise as an oral health <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">prebiotic</a>. Good oral hygiene and a nitrate rich diet could be the key to a healthier body, a vibrant smile and disease-free gums. This is good news for those most at risk of oral health deterioration such as <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Periodontitis-and-Pregnancy.aspx">pregnant women</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8771712/">the elderly</a>. In the UK, antiseptic mouthwashes containing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">chlorhexidine</a> are commonly used to treat dental plaque and gum disease. Unfortunately, these mouthwashes are a blunderbuss approach to oral health, as they indiscriminately remove both good and bad bacteria and increase oral acidity, which can cause disease. Worryingly, early research also indicates that chlorhexidine may contribute to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a>. Resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi survive the effects of one or more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768623/">antimicrobial drugs</a> due to repeated exposure to these treatments. Antimicrobial resistance is a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02724-0/fulltext">global health concern</a>, predicted to cause 10 million deaths yearly by the year 2050. In contrast, dietary nitrate is more targeted. Nitrate eliminates disease-associated bacteria, reduces oral acidity and creates a balanced <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2944498/">oral microbiome</a>. The oral microbiome refers to all the microorganisms in the mouth. Nitrate offers exciting potential as an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">oral health prebiotic</a>, which can be used to prevent disease onset or limit disease progression. <h2>How many leafy greens for pearly whites?</h2> So how much should we consume daily? As a rule of thumb, a generous helping of spinach, kale or beetroot at mealtimes contains about 6-10 mmol of nitrate and offers immediate health benefits. Work we have done with our collaborators has shown that treating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">plaque samples</a> from periodontal disease patients with 6.5 mmol of nitrate increased healthy bacteria levels and reduced acidity. For example, consuming <a href="https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/JPER.20-0778">lettuce juice</a> for two weeks reduced gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patients with gum disease. Growing evidence suggests that nitrate is a cornerstone of oral health. Crunching on a portion of vegetables at mealtimes can help to prevent or treat oral disease and keeps the mouth fresh and healthy.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221181/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, Lecturer, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, PhD candidate, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eating-leafy-greens-could-be-better-for-oral-health-than-using-mouthwash-221181">original article</a>.

Body

The surprising step you've been missing from your oral care routine

Three quarters of Australian adults were warned against chewing gum as a child. But recently, Australian dentists have been saying quite the opposite. According to new YouGov data on the chewing habits of Australians, almost a third of Australian adults were told as children that chewing gum was rude, and nearly a quarter were told it was bad for your teeth. But leading dentists say sugarfree gum actually plays a key role in looking after your dental health. In the midst of a global pandemic it would be no surprise some of us are hesitant to keep up regular dental checks. In fact, the ADA's Oral Health Tracker found that just under half (48.8%) of adults surveyed had visited a dentist for a check-up in the last 12 months - a number that is anticipated to get worse as Australians avoid the dentist due to fears of proximity to others, job losses result in people spending less on their health and people are stuck at home eating sugary foods more regularly. Sydney dentist Dr Jalal Khan says there are some simple ways all Australians keep up their oral health even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Khan says more Aussies should consider chewing sugarfree gum after eating or drinking when brushing isn’t possible, because it helps to neutralise plaque acid and maintain tooth enamel. “Oral hygiene and looking after our teeth isn’t something we should do just once or twice a day, in the morning and night, because we eat and snack so frequently throughout the day,” Dr Khan said. “Chewing sugarfree gum helps to fill the gaps between brushing and flossing creating a healthy environment for our teeth.” A recent scientific literature review by King’s College found chewing sugarfree gum could help reduce the incidence and growth of dental caries by up to 28 per cent. Despite being preventable, tooth decay is one of Australia’s most common oral health problems and is on the rise among Australian adults and children. Maintaining good oral health is fundamental to overall health, reduces risk of chronic diseases and improves mental wellbeing. This week, Dr Jalal Khan drilled down into new YouGov research on Australia’s chewing habits to bust some long-held myths about chewing gum: <ul> <li>Bad manners or healthy habit? - The main reason Aussies don’t chew gum is because they think it’s rude (29% of adults). </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “The fact is chewing sugar-free gum is a healthy habit that helps look after your teeth. The act of chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which clears food particles, and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. Only 17% of Aussie adults chew gum after eating and drinking to look after their teeth.” <ul> <li>Not all gums are equal - A quarter (25%) of Australian adults avoid chewing gum because they believe it contains sugar.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Most gum (93%) on the market is sugarfree and endorsed by national dental bodies. I recommend looking for gum that displays the Australian Dental Association or FDI World Dental Federation logos on the back of pack.” <ul> <li>Is there a right (or wrong) time to chew? - While 17% of adults chew before eating to prevent snacking or over-eating, dentists say chewing after a meal has more benefits. </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “If you are on the go, it’s best to chew gum after you’ve finished a meal to stimulate saliva flow, which clears food particles and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. It’s important to chew for at least 20 minutes as this has been shown to help maintain the enamel on your teeth.” <ul> <li>What happens if you swallow gum? As children, over half of us (55% of Australian adults) were told that if you swallow gum it stays in your stomach.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “It’s an old wives’ tale that’s been passed down by each generation. The truth is if you swallow gum it will NOT stay in your stomach. Although chewing gum is not designed to be swallowed, it simply passes through your body’s digestive system after a few days.” <ul> <li>Brushing and flossing isn’t enough to maintain fresh breath - Almost three quarters (74%) of people that chew gum, do it to freshen their breath.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Brushing, flossing and chewing gum all help to keep your breath fresh but so does your diet. I’m not just talking about avoiding garlic. Our mouth is the front end of our gut and it’s lined with bacteria. The mix of the bacteria in your mouth and gut can directly influence the smell of your breath.” To keep your teeth healthy, Dr Khan recommends five simple steps: <ol> <li>Get regular check-ups from your <a href="https://www.ada.org.au/Find-a-Dentist">dentist</a> (once every six months is generally recommended)</li> <li>Brush twice a day</li> <li>Floss daily</li> <li>Eat a healthy, balanced diet </li> <li>Chew sugarfree gum after eating or drinking and when on-the-go </li> </ol> Issued on behalf of the Extra Oral Healthcare Program Dr Jalal Khan is a Sydney-based dentist and a member of the NSW Australian Dental Association. Dr Khan has a North Sydney dental clinic and runs a mobile dental truck to provide dental services to regional communities in need.

Body

Aussies' filthy oral hygiene habit – are you guilty of this?

New data has revealed that Australians are failing to listen to the advice of dentists and are struggling to maintain dental hygiene. According to Australia’s Oral Health Tracker released earlier this week, more than 90 per cent of adults have experienced decay in their permanent teeth. Surprisingly, only half of adults are brushing their teeth twice a day as recommended. The Oral Health Tracker found that factors such as risky alcohol consumption and smoking are contributing to the poor oral health among adults. The data also discovered alarming levels of tooth decay among children, with three out of four consuming too much sugar. “The evidence shows that one-third of Australia’s five- to six-year-olds have had decay in their baby teeth. This is an unacceptably high rate and puts these children at risk of poor oral health in their development and adult years,” Dr Hugo Sachs, president of the Australian Dental Association, told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/national-study-reveals-only-half-of-australians-brush-their-teeth-twice-a-day/news-story/d149925bf73fe4dc9c32a5623493a780" target="_blank">news.com.au.</a> Australia’s Oral Health Tracker was created by dental academics/researchers, clinicians, policy and public health experts, and was released by the ADA. The Tracker sets targets for improving the oral health of children and adults by 2025, to achieve the World Health Organisation’s targets for global prevention and reduction in chronic diseases. Earlier this month, the Royal Children’s Hospital poll found that by early primary school one in four children need a tooth filling. One in 10 needed a tooth pulled out because of decay and one in 20 required a hospital visit to treat a decayed tooth. Dr Sachs explained that poor oral health links to a range of diseases in adulthood, so it is important to ensure the young have good dental hygiene. Sydney dentist Dr Steven Lin has also said that Australians need to focus on nutrition to look after their teeth. Dr Lin told news.com.au that “most adults, and almost no kids, brush and floss properly”. “While it’s a fine way to polish teeth, brushing is like taking a car with a broken engine to the car wash,” he said. “It cleans but it doesn’t address the problem.” Dr Lin highlighted that we need to maintain a diet that contains fats, vitamins D, A and K2 to maintain healthy mouths. “Harmful foods that we eat are what fuels disease in the mouth. Vegetable oils and white flour are refined carbs, so anything with white flour has a very similar metabolic effect to sugar by creating cavities. “Over time, we have stripped out foods that promote healthy teeth — like butter, meats, yolks and full-fat dairy. If you don’t include these types of fats in your diet, you lose the ability to absorb those vitamins.” How do you take care of your teeth? Let us know in the comments below.

Caring

The frightening truth about oral decay

Oral decay could be the next big threat to Australian over-60s, according to a Rockhampton dentist. Greg More, former Queensland president of the Australian Dental Association, has found an increasing number of aged care patients with poor oral hygiene, which, in severe cases, can lead to early death. “Unfortunately, with the passage of time people are just no longer able to maintain their own mouths in the way that they used to,” Dr Greg Moore told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-18/oral-decay-a-time-bomb-for-aging-population-dentist-warns/8191362" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “Someone else needs to do it, and I've got no problem with nursing home staff — they are very heavily overworked as it is, and cleaning someone else's mouth, with natural teeth, is a very difficult process.” According to Dr Moore, a large part of the problem is simply mobility – particularly aged care facilities in more rural areas. “The saddest cases are when people ring me and say, ‘our mother's dentures are just not fitting the way they used to, can you come and tighten them up for me,’” he explains. “I go in there and the reason their dentures don't fit it because the teeth that used to hold their partial dentures are now little black stumps on their gums. At this stage, they're unwell, they're poor anaesthetic risks, they're immobile and they're heavily medicated – it's just a complete medical nightmare.” Adding to the already frightening situation, the soft, sweet foods regularly given to aged care patients are only contributing to decay. And, in most cases, those who have little control over their diet also have little control over their dental health. To combat this, Dr Moore says more aged care homes need to engage regular dental services, though admits this could send the already-expensive care fees further up. “It's the cost of the person's health and wellbeing. How can you put a cost on that?” Have you found this to be the case? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Source: <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-18/oral-decay-a-time-bomb-for-aging-population-dentist-warns/8191362" target="_blank">ABC</a>

Caring

Is the art of oral storytelling dead?

Once upon a time, in a place not so far away, four small children were enjoying a fun-filled trip to their grandparents’ home. The sun had slipped beneath the horizon, and bedtime had arrived. “Please can you tell us a story Poppy!” begged the grandkids, their little faces bright with anticipation. For they knew this meant one thing: The chance to listen to their beloved Pop as he conjured up weird and wonderful tales from the depths of his imagination, while the kids lay in wait, wearing silly, satisfied smiles, eager for what would be said next. This act, known as oral storytelling, harkens back to a simpler time – long before our world was overrun by all things technology. It was the way our ancestors ensured their own tales were going to live on and or included the sharing of those famous fables and fairy tales that marched on through every generation. But somehow in the crazy whirl of modern life, this art has become almost extinct. Enter Morgan Schatz Blackrose, author and storyteller extraordinaire with over 28 years’ experience, who is determined to see this wondrous activity reinstated as the norm in our homes. “From the time we are able to talk, each and every one of us has a story to tell,” Morgan says. “Children learn to love and trust listening to lullabies, they learn to laugh with finger and face rhymes, they learn coordination and rhythm with lap rhymes, and they learn to how to appropriately participate and express themselves through storytelling. “There are numerous literacy learning outcomes that children experience with regular participation in storytelling sessions, but most importantly they learn to listen to their own thoughts and the words of others.” And while reading to children at home is the message parents are pushed to receive, Morgan says that telling them your own tales should be given the same weight of importance, as the art of oral storytelling is vital in the emotional, social and cognitive development of our kids. “Oral storytelling has a flexibility that reading a book does not, because telling a story is not governed by the text but by the relationship between the listener and the teller,” she explains. “In this direct communication, the heart listens as well as the ears, and mutual feelings of love and trust are kindled in this shared intimacy.” To this end, storytelling is an act of love, evoking emotions that will be remembered long after the story is over. “The stories may or may not be remembered, but the feelings of joy and fun in the shared experience of storytelling will always be remembered.” And while we may not always realise it, oral storytelling is still very much present in our daily life today. “Oral storytelling is how human beings from all cultures communicate with each other in their daily lives,” Morgan says. “Ask a question and you receive a story as an answer. We call these stories anecdotes, riddles, tall tales and jokes.” For parents who want to introduce oral storytelling into the lives of their own children, but are unsure where to start, she says, “Storytelling is not a test. So what if you forget the exactness of it – you’re telling the story your way. Children want to know what your life was like as a kid, so tell them about school, the games you played, your friends, the characters in your family, the trouble you got into. “And if it’s painful? You determine what you want to share and when. There is no set text so you can add or omit what you like,” Morgan says. “Many parents tell stories from their cultural tradition and/or their family history. “The stories of parents and grandparents help children to understand their heritage, history and identity, as well as helping to forge strong and loving bonds between family members.” Morgan’s final plea so this forgotten art of oral storytelling lives on, is this: “Turn off your phones, shut down your computer screens, and sit down and tell a story – any story, even if it’s a joke. Story begets story, so someone will share another one. “If older members of your family visit then ask them to share a story. If you like, bring out a photo album as a prop. “If you find the formality of creating a storytelling space too difficult, then take the opportunity to spontaneously share a story whenever you can, or at mealtime ask the question: ‘What did you like best about today?’ A story will certainly follow.” What do you think? Do you still regale your grandkids with tall tales? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Written by Donna Webeck. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/why-grandchildren-need-grandparents/">4 reasons grandchildren need their grandparents</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/how-to-help-your-grandchild-love-learning/">How to help your grandchild love learning</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/best-way-to-communicate-with-teenage-grandchildren/">Best way to communicate with teenage grandchildren</a>

Family & Pets

Investigation suggests flossing is a waste of time

It’s been a bone of contention between dentists and their patients for decades, but finally the research appears to prove once and for all that flossing is actually a complete waste of time. A US <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/f7e66079d9ba4b4985d7af350619a9e3/medical-benefits-dental-floss-unproven" target="_blank">investigation</a> by the Associated Press found that there is very little convincing evidence in support of regularly using tooth floss, despite being recommended by dental professionals and governments in the US since 1979. The AP investigation looked at 25 studies on the effectiveness of flossing versus brushing alone, and found that evidence in favour of using dental floss was “weak” and “unreliable”. “The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal,” concluded one study. A 2011 review did suggest that dental floss may be effective in slightly reducing inflammation of the gums, but it was discredited by reviewers, who deemed the evidence “very unreliable”. In fact, some have even suggested that whatever benefit flossing may have on oral health would be so small as to be almost undetectable. It is also worth noting that many of the studies reporting benefits of flossing were funded by dental floss manufacturers. Therefore, this investigation could have huge ramifications for the oral hygiene industry and the flossing business in particular, which alone is worth a startling $2.6 billion worldwide. However, experts say it’s better to be safe than sorry. “It’s low-risk, low-cost,” dentist Tim Iafolla told AP. “We know there’s a possibility that it works, so we feel comfortable telling people to go ahead and do it.” Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/10-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss/">10 surprising uses for dental floss</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/">7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/surprising-tips-for-using-a-toothbrush-more-efficiently/">Surprising tips for using a toothbrush more efficiently</a>

News

Why you should always floss

We always hear about the importance of flossing when we visit the dentist, but just how bad is it if you give the dental floss a miss once in a while? As it turns out, very bad. A startling number of us still aren’t flossing every day, and we’re paying the price. Brushing, no matter how efficiently and thoroughly you might think you’re doing it, simply isn’t enough. In fact, Dr Timothy Chase from SmilesNY said brushing and rinsing leaves your mouth half as clean as those who floss as well. “The bacteria that cause cavities and gum infection hide in the area between teeth and in the pockets under the gums—the only way to get them out is with dental floss,” he tells <a href="http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/a55726/dental-floss/" target="_blank">Woman’s Day</a>. “Never flossing will eventually lead to cavities between the teeth and gum disease in most people.” Gum disease is the fifth-most commonly reported health issue among Australians, and despite what you might think, it’s an incredibly serious condition which could lead to losing teeth. “Gum disease causes inflammation of the gingival tissue and loss of the periodontal bone that supports the teeth,” Dr Alison Newgard from the Columbia University College of Dentistry explains. In fact, gum disease has even been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. So, if ever you needed a reason to up your flossing game, this is it. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/8-things-you-can-clean-with-a-toothbrush/">8 things you can (and should) clean with a toothbrush</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/10-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss/">10 surprising uses for dental floss</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/">7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</a>

News

7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new

If you’re one of the many Australians who have either partial of full dentures, you’ll know that they need extra care. Keep them in tip-top condition with these seven golden rules. 1. Give them a break Both your mouth and dentures need a break for between six to eight hours per day. This gives your mouth tissue time to recover and your dentures time to be cleaned and sterilised. Most people take their dentures out overnight and leave to soak in a denture cleanser which helps remove stains, plague, tartar and bacteria. 2. Handle with care Dentures are a necessary expense. Easily breakable, the last thing you want it to have them broken. Always clean over a folded towel or bowl of water in case you accidently drop them. Never use toothpicks or hard brushes on them and keep out of reach of children and pets. 3. Clean them daily Dentures may not be your ‘real’ teeth but this doesn’t make them immune from the build up of stains, plaque and tartar. Plaque in particular can lead to infection and irritation in the gums underneath. Brush your dentures daily with a soft bristled or denture specific toothbrush and toothpaste. 4. Take care of your mouth Even if you have complete dentures, you still need to take care of your gums. Whenever you take out your dentures, give your mouth a rinse and massage your gums with a soft toothbrush. 5. See your dentist Having dentures doesn’t mean that regular dentist visits are a thing of the past. You should still see your dentist yearly to ensure good oral hygiene. 6. Watch for changes in fit If your dentures become uncomfortable, it’s important to visit your dentist. The gums and bones in our mouth can change over time, which leads to issues with fit. Adjusting your dentures is a quick and easy process, so don’t delay. 7. Nourish the rest of your body Dentures can make eating some foods difficult. Ensure you’re eating well and fuelling your body with the essential nutrients it needs. When was the last time you got to the dentist? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/05/student-straightens-own-teeth/">Student straightens his own teeth for less than $80</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/surprising-tips-for-using-a-toothbrush-more-efficiently/">Surprising tips for using a toothbrush more efficiently</a> <a href="/finance/insurance/2016/05/8-most-bizarre-insurance-claims-ever/">8 most bizarre insurance claims ever</a>

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A guide to creating an oral family history

Creating a family history is a special way to preserve cherished memories and experiences. While the traditional method of scrapbooks, journals and albums are fun, have you ever considered creating an oral family history? A digital history can bring your family stories to life – you can actually hear people’s voices, see their faces and experience them live in action! These days with smartphones and tablets it’s never been easier to gather audio and visual recordings of your family stories. It’s also a lovely way to spend time with your family and connect with relatives you might not have seen for a while. Here’s our guide to getting started.What you will needAn oral history is simply telling your family history in a number of ways. You might want to use both audio and video recordings together. You might just want to concentrate on audio recordings combined with scanned old photos. Be creative, it can be anything you want it to be. Nowadays a smartphones or tablet has everything you need – you can use it to record audio, videos and take photos.  If relatives are interstate or overseas, recording straight off Skype is another option. Video and audio editing software like iMovie or Movie Maker are inexpensive and easy to use if you are feeling inventive.There are also a few free apps which simplifies this process. For iPhones there is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/familysearch-memories/id885970971?mt=8" target="_blank">Family Search</a> which lets you snap photos, record audio and write notes. It then organises it all for you making it easy to collect, preserve and share your memories. For Androids a free app called <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.savingmemoriesforever.SavingMemoriesForever&hl=en" target="_blank">Saving Memories Forever</a> similarly organises all your audio recordings which you can share around the world.Have a planBeginning a family history can be overwhelming – after all, you have plenty of experience behind you and a few stories to tell! So it is helpful to have a plan. Think about the key stories, memories, trips, experiences or traditions that you want to explore and capture. Start there - other stories will begin to emerge when you begin interviewing but it’s useful to have a base to organise the stories.Keep everyone involvedEveryone has stories to tell so ask all your family members. You will most likely conduct many one-on-one interviews which is great to delve into particular memories and stories. However, remember it is also fun and illuminating to interview people in a big group (for example, all your siblings together). This way you will be able to capture the relationships between the people as they are reminiscing. If they mention a particular item or photograph, you could take a photograph and intersperse it with the recording.Ask open questionsIt’s a good idea to have a think (and maybe write them down) about the types of questions you want to ask – and this may be different for each family members. While some questions will be establishing facts and what happened, remember the best part of undertaking this endeavour is starting a conversation and discovering memories along the way. You don’t want the interview to be a chore so just be natural and enjoy the conversation.Enjoy the experienceThis is meant to be fun so only take on as much as you want too! Don’t stress that you aren’t getting it “perfect” – your family will love you for taking the time and effort to create one. The act of reminiscing together is not only fun but often builds stronger bonds and connections. And after all your efforts, your family history will be presented in a fun and vibrant way to share with the generations to come.

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Improve your oral health now

Your oral health is more important than you might realise. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth can affect your general health.Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Experts have long asserted the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself. Like many areas of the body, your mouth is packed with bacteria and while most of them harmless, good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. Without good oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from problems that might lead to disease.Here are things you can do now to ensure you maintain good oral health:Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums.  Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes. Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion. Limit soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids found in these drinks soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries).Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth. See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

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