Could flossing your teeth reduce your risk of heart disease? The link between oral health and the heart has sometimes been mooted, but it’s an idea that is beginning to gain ground.
Ever since scientists saw, 70 years ago, what they thought was a link between fluoride in the water supply and a lower incidence of tooth decay, fluoride - in toothpaste, mouth-washes, tablets and drinking water - has been the most popular...
Saliva is the body’s first line of defence against tooth decay. It neutralises acids in the mouth, and washes away sugars and other cavity-promoting substances. Saliva also contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that help to repair teeth...
At the beginning of the 20th century, the biggest risk factors for death due to heart disease were tooth and jaw infections. A single unhealthy tooth could lead to an early grave due to subacute bacterial endocarditis,
Tooth decay and gum disease are widespread throughout the Western world in spite of the availability of high-tech toothbrushes, and ‘scientifically proven’ toothpastes and mouthwashes.
The practice of proper oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do for your teeth and gums. In Part One, you learned that brushing alone is not sufficient to care for your teeth.