Self-Care Starts with a Smile – The Importance of Oral Care as a Wellness Habit

The Importance of Oral Care as a Wellness Habit | AD

Coming up on the 24th of July is International Self-Care Day. To highlight the importance of oral care in every self-care routine — as it impacts overall health, not just oral health, DenTek are launching their Beyond A Smile campaign.

Oral Care, an Often Overlooked Wellness Habit

Skincare, fitness and mental health have become central pillars of modern self-care, but oral hygiene is frequently treated as an afterthought. Did you know that 54% of UK adults skip brushing their teeth at least once a week and only around a third of people clean interdentally every day. However, maintaining a healthy mouth is essential not only for a confident smile but for protecting wider health.

Beyond A Smile – A More Complete Oral Care Routine

The awareness around the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing is thankfully growing. To help this, DenTek is launching their Beyond A Smile campaign to encourage people to adopt a more complete oral care routine. 

Complete doesn’t need to be complicated though. Simple steps, such as daily interdental cleaning alongside twice-daily brushing, can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease and helps support long-term health too.

One of the most common health conditions in the UK is tooth decay with 41% of adults having untreated tooth decay. Despite this, many people still rely solely on brushing, missing a crucial step in their daily routine – interdental cleaning. 

Dental experts emphasise that removing plaque and debris from between the teeth is vital for healthy teeth and gums. This should be a part of every self-care routine, at least once a day. 40% of the tooth surface is between teeth, where a toothbrush simply cannot reach. This is also where tooth decay and gum disease most commonly begin

Implications Far Beyond the Mouth

Truro-based dentist Dr Emi Mawson comments:

“I would argue that mouth care is the most important of our self-care routines”

 “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.”

The implications of an insufficient oral hygiene routine extend far beyond the mouth. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is because bacteria that causes gum disease leaks into the bloodstream which triggers an immune response. A continuous immune response can lead to chronic inflammation and this even damages the heart. A study of blood clots in stroke patients revealed that 80% showed the presence of oral bacteria.

Another recent study by the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Dentistry examined the brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients for the presence of gum disease bacteria and associated proteins. 

Dr Sim Singhrao comments:

“The oral bacteria was found exclusively in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and not in the brains of those without the disease”

“In short, oral hygiene is incredibly important for the health of the body and brain”.

DenTek shares:

“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 confusion. Preventing the build-up of bacteria in gums can have significant long-term benefits.“

Effective Oral Care Made Easy

As mentioned above, a complete oral care routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. DenTek has a range of interdental brushes and floss picks that are designed to help people incorporate the vital step of interdental cleaning into their everyday routine, making effective oral care easy and convenient. It’s a small routine change that comes with big benefits.

A healthy mouth is much more than just cosmetic, it is fundamental to overall health. For ongoing or persistent concerns, always seek advice from a qualified dental professional.

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