Survey Shows That Brits Are Unaware Of The Implications Of Poor Oral Health
A recent survey has revealed that many Brits are unaware of the general health implications of poor oral health.
New research has revealed that 90 per cent of people are unaware that poor oral health is linked to dementia, while 83 per cent admitted that they did not know that gum disease was linked to an increased risk of pneumonia. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed were unaware of the connection between poor oral health and colon cancer and 79 per cent did not know that poor oral health increased the risk of having a stroke.
Over the course of the last few years, research studies have suggested links between poor oral health and an increased risk of several serious illnesses, including strokes, infections, erectile dysfunction, breast cancer, psoriasis, heart disease and diabetes. There is also evidence to suggest that gum disease can cause complications during pregnancy and child birth, with expectant mothers who have gum disease up to 3 times more likely to give birth prematurely than women with healthy gums.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that there “is no excuse for ignoring dental hygiene” and urged people to take note of the research studies and take steps to protect their teeth and gums.
A good oral hygiene routine helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as systemic illnesses and Dr Carter is urging people to follow simple rules to boost their oral health. The British Dental Health Foundation is currently running National Smile Month with the aim of encouraging people to brush twice a day, visit their dentist every 6-12 months and keep an eye on their diet.
Join this Discussion
