Dr. Zeina Naous
Canadian Dentist
Did you know that oral health plays an integral role in our overall health? According to oral health professionals, there is a significant link between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.
Canadian dentist, Dr. Zeina Naous says, “poor oral hygiene can exacerbate medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and premature birth.”
Lack of proper oral hygiene can cause serious dental problems, such as cavities, gingivitis, and even periodontal disease (or gum disease) — a serious infection of the gums that damages the surrounding tissue and can lead to bone loss. Gum disease is the most common dental problem in Canadians, with seven out of ten people affected to some degree in their lives. It’s largely preventable by maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental check-ups, however.
Avoiding gum disease can be challenging
Plaque build-up is the main culprit in gum disease. Plaque is the sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on top of your teeth. It makes teeth feel fuzzy, and is most noticeable when teeth aren’t brushed or right after a meal.
“Plaque develops when foods rich in carbohydrates, such as milk, juice, bread, fruit, or candy, are frequently left on the teeth,” says Dr. Naous. “Over a period of time, the bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars and release acids, which destroy tooth enamel and result in tooth decay.”
Oral B Water Flosser is especially necessary if you have sensitive gums, braces, bridges or crowns, or if you have medical cases like arthritis, where using string floss is not comfortable
Advice on healthier gums
For healthier gums, Dr. Naous recommends a complete daily routine, which includes using an electric toothbrush on your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing your teeth at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse.
“Plaque between your teeth is difficult to remove with just brushing, which is why flossing every day is also incredibly important to decrease the chance of getting cavities,” says Dr. Naous.
Alongside traditional flossing, Dr. Naous also recommends water flossers, which are proven to be a great aid in removing plaque between teeth.
“The Oral B Water Flosser is especially necessary if you have sensitive gums, braces, bridges, or crowns, or if you have a medical case like arthritis that makes using string floss uncomfortable,” explains Dr. Naous.
Research has also shown that when water flossers are used together with electric toothbrushes, there’s a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis. That’s why Oral B, known for its top-of-the-line electric brushes, has released the new Water Flosser Advanced, which removes up to 99.9 percent of plaque bacteria by deep cleaning and detoxifying below the gumline.
The Oral B Water Flosser Advanced with Oxyjet Technology uses water enriched with microbubbles of air to help eliminate plaque bacteria. It features customizable streams and three unique modes: intense, medium, or sensitive so you can pick the water pressure that’s best for you.
Lastly, in addition to maintaining a daily routine, Dr. Naous recommends scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning and seeking dental care when needed to maintain optimal oral health.
