Self-Care Starts with a Smile
Why oral care is an often overlooked wellness habit and why it belongs in every self-care routine
While skincare, fitness and mental health have become central pillars of modern self-care, oral hygiene is frequently treated as an afterthought. 54% of UK adults skip brushing their teeth at least once a week1 and only around a third clean interdentally every day2. Yet maintaining a healthy mouth is essential not only for a confident smile but for protecting wider health.
With growing awareness of the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing3, DenTek is launching their Beyond A Smilecampaign to encourage people to adopt a more complete oral care routine. Simple steps, such as daily interdental cleaning alongside twice-daily brushing, can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of gum disease4 and supporting long-term health.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common health conditions in the UK with 41% of adults having untreated tooth decay2. Despite this, many people still rely solely on brushing, missing a crucial step in their daily routine.
Dental experts emphasise that removing plaque and debris from between the teeth is vital for healthy teeth and gums and should be a regular feature of every self-care routine. This is because up to 40% of the tooth surface lies between teeth, where a toothbrush simply cannot reach5. It is also where tooth decay and gum disease most commonly begin.
“I would argue that mouth care is the most important of our self-care routines”, says Dr Emi Mawson, Truro-based dentist who uses her hugely popular social media platform, dentist_emi to provide accessible dental care content. “Our hair grows, our skin regenerates but our teeth do not. Not only that but mouth care is healthcare. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and oral disease is now associated with many other systemic conditions. Or on a more positive note, natural teeth is associated with longerlife expectancy”!
The implications extend far beyond the mouth. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Bacteria that causes gum disease leaking into the bloodstream which triggers an immune response. A continuous immune response can lead to chronic inflammation and this damages the heart. A study6 of blood clots in stroke patients revealed that 80% showed the presence of oral bacteria.
A recent study7 conducted by the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Dentistry examined the brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients for presence of gum disease bacteria and associated proteins. “The oral bacteria was found exclusively in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and not in the brains of those without the disease”, said Dr Sim Singhrao. “In short, oral hygiene is incredibly important for the health of the body and brain”.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria around the teeth which can then lead to gums becoming infected and swollen. As a response to the infected gums, certain antibodies or proteins can build up in the brain which interrupt communication between brain cells resulting in cognitive decline, particularly memory loss and confusion8. Preventing the build-up of bacteria in gums can have significant long-term benefits.
DenTek’s range of interdental brushes and floss picks are designed to help people incorporate this vital step into their everyday routine, making effective oral care easy and convenient. A small routine change with big benefits.
“Mouth care should be viewed as an essential part of self-care, just like washing your face or exercising”, continues Dr Mawson.
A healthy mouth is not just cosmetic. It is fundamental to overall health.
Always seek advice from a qualified dental professional for ongoing or persistent concerns.
