Latest news with #BritishAcademyofCosmeticDentistry
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why a healthy oral microbiome is the new longevity secret to make us smile
In wellness, the early 2020s will be remembered as the time we went microbiome mad – 'gut health' were the words on everyone's lips as we became slavish to ferments, fibre and the 30 plants a week challenge. But we're learning that the secrets to longevity also lie in the mouth. The oral microbiome is the second largest microbiota in the body, containing 700 different species of bacteria — and its diversity affects far more than whether we have bad breath. A growing amount of research has linked this community of microorganisms to everything from brain function to even heart disease. Leading dentist and president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Dr Sam Jethwa explains: 'Maintaining balance in the oral microbiome is vital for healthy gums, preventing cavities and tooth decay, but it is also linked to our overall health.' Dr Rizwan Mahmood, who is co-founder of Ruh Dental at Harrods, adds: 'When this delicate ecosystem is disrupted — what we call dysbiosis —harmful bacteria can flourish. These bacteria don't just stay put. They can enter the bloodstream via inflamed gums and contribute to systemic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to chronic conditions.' The British Heart Foundation has published research outlining that 69 per cent of those with gum disease have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease. And research is mounting to suggest that bad bacteria in the mouth, which can also cause gum disease, is linked to Alzheimer's. As Dr Mahmood notes: 'In short, a healthy mouth sets the stage for a healthier you.' So how do you reduce the risks and boost the good bacteria? The amount of products to support the mouth's microbiome is growing apace, with oral probiotics becoming a popular new category. However, both dentists note that many of us still fail to get a handle on the basics of oral hygiene. 'Looking after your mouth's microbiome means doing more than just brushing vigorously twice a day. It's about gentle, effective cleaning, avoiding excessive use of harsh mouthwashes that can wipe out good bacteria, and being mindful of sugar intake, which fuels the harmful bugs,' says Dr Mahmood. Dr Jethwa notes that brushing the gum line, tongue and inside the cheeks is a step many people miss, as is flossing at least once a day with interdentals. 'Almost half the surface area of your teeth is between them, and if you're not cleaning there, plaque builds up, putting you at risk for gum disease and decay,' says Dr Mahmood. Dr Mahmood also warns against 'frequent snacking and sipping on acidic drinks, including 'healthy' ones such as smoothies, which can create an environment where your teeth are under constant acid attack'. Dehydration is another potential pitfall when it comes to looking after your oral health. 'A dry mouth can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities, bad breath and infections,' says Dr Jethwa. So be sure to drink plenty of water to help with saliva production which protects the mouth and washes away food debris. Floss before brushing for the most effective results Brush before breakfast, around 30 minutes before eating Take probiotics if you're suffering with bad breath or your sense of taste feels off (signs your microbiome is off-balance) Brush twice a day, including the gum line, cheeks and tongue (gently does it though!) Use a toothpaste with flouride, and try one that is SLS-free (Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, which makes formulas foam) for a more sustainable approach Drink plenty of water to aid saliva production and to wash away bacteria Alongside attending regular check-ups, see your dentist if you notice bleeding when you brush, and any other signs of gum disease or soreness Change your brush head or toothbrush regularly — every three months or more An increased interest in oral health comes at a time when we're already spending more than ever on our pearly whites. By 2026 the global market for cosmetic dentistry is projected to reach more than £45 billion. But in pursuit of symmetrical white smiles, some of us might be doing ourselves dirty. Dr Mahmood notes that the rise in popularity of mail-order or DIY aligners 'poses a real risk of damaging tooth roots or worsening gum health' while at-home whitening can increase sensitivity and weaken enamel. As for 'Turkey teeth', Dr Jethwa warns that often these are in fact crowns rather than veneers, and the drilling down of natural teeth can lead 'to extreme sensitivity and pain, inflammation, infection, and even bad breath as poor fitting can mean food debris and bacteria can get caught in the gaps between the gumline.' So ensuring you have any tweakments on your mouth performed by a trusted, registered professional is essential. A new wave of dental care products is focused on oral health with a goal of longevity over superficiality, however. Suri's hygienic electric toothbrush is one of the most hyped buys on the market now (£63.75, It comes in a UV-light clean case that kills 99 per cent of bacteria in a minute. Plus, new toothpastes use more natural ingredients and the right levels of fluoride (at least 1,350ppm) and come in refined flavours. Try Tooth Angel in Cinnamon Mint (£9.99, or Selahatin's Steam Will Rise (£19, As well as regular check-ups, updating your at-homekit will help keep the microbiome in good shape.
The Guardian
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
From hallway jets to ‘pregnant' toothbrushes: my chaotic water flosser showdown
Cats and teeth. That's my contribution to the Filter so far, writing recommendations for new cat owners and electric toothbrushes. Rather than combining the two in a piece on cat toothpaste, I'm instead doubling down on the latter, writing about the wonderful world of water flossers. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Water flossers, for those that don't know, are exactly what they sound like. Rather than sticking a bit of dental floss or an interdental brush between your teeth and along your gums, the idea is that you can instead fire a jet of water. It's more convenient and saves you the embarrassment of seeing what grim detritus you've been hoarding between your teeth each day. Are they as effective as regular flossing? 'Probably not' was the consensus I got from the dental experts I spoke to, but it's also an improvement on nothing, which is, lamentably, what most of us are doing now. 'In terms of plaque removal, flossing and interdental brushes will be better,' Dr Sam Jethwa, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, told me. 'The example I give patients is a boat sitting in a dock for a long time – it's got algae on the bottom. Get a hose pipe to try to get it off, it's not going to do anything. You need the water, but you need the mechanical movement there.' I'm pleased to report that my mouth isn't full of algae, and I certainly felt some benefit from my time water flossing, even if it had its limits. The cordless models look like pregnant toothbrushes – although sadly this isn't where baby toothbrushes come from. Rather, the distended lower section is designed to be filled with between 150ml and 400ml of water that can then be fired at your unsuspecting teeth and gums. After collecting machines from the likes of Oral-B, Panasonic, WaterPik and Philips, and lining them up along my sink like a tiny police identity parade, I set to work devising how to test a group of products that, on the surface of things, are very similar indeed. For starters, some manufacturers list water pressure in PSI, which is pounds per square inch. Others, however, don't bother with this nerdy nonsense, leading you to guess against the ones that do. One messy (but not especially scientific, given their different heights and jet angles) test saw me firing water from them down the hallway and measuring their reach. My other half had the unenviable job of following the jets down the hallway with a towel, shouting out the measurements like a darts caller, while I tapped the figures into my somehow still dry laptop. The water tank test was far more civilised, if not as fun. This involved filling the tanks from the tap before decanting the contents back into a measuring cup to see if the declared specs were accurate. Some were a little optimistic, while others understated how much water you could get in there. Other metrics are obvious as soon as you open the box, like how easy they are to hold and manipulate, and how many tips are supplied. The standard jet head is consistent between them all, but others are designed with orthodontics and periodontal pockets in mind. But there's plenty that's subjective too. For example, one model was marked down because you need to hold down a button to stop and start the water flow. That's a very sensible design for a travel-safe flosser, saving you a suspiciously vibrating suitcase that could be detonated by overzealous airline staff, but less positive when your mouth is rapidly filling with water and you need to cut the power quickly. My personal favourite model, meanwhile, isn't the most powerful, and nor is it practical for those without much space, given it plugs directly into the bathroom mains. But its handle is light and easy to manoeuvre, and it offers 10 pressure levels to make it the most flexible of the bunch. Towards the end of my testing, I had a long-scheduled dental hygienist appointment where, for once, I could proudly say that I had not just been flossing daily, but multiple times an hour. While a psychologist could undoubtedly take issue with that, surely no dentist would? Sadly, I wasn't asked, but nor was I given a mortifying critique on my dental hygiene. So I'm calling that a very small win, and an unspoken go-ahead to keep jet washing my teeth and gums. Albeit not as regularly, now the testing period is – thankfully – over. 'I ran 1,830 miles in these, and they're still going strong': trail running essentials (and what to skip) The best wedding guest dresses and outfits: 30 favourites for every dress code and budget 'The closest I tried to homemade': the best supermarket mayonnaise, tasted and rated From shiraz-infused gin to a 468-piece London landmarks Lego set; wildlife cameras to hot honey; customised plates with his children's artwork to the world's best potato masher – our Father's Day gift guide has 83 ideas for every type of dad, even those most difficult to shop for. (And in case you forgot, it's on 15 June.) Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter It's been the hottest, sunniest spring on record in the UK, with the risk of a drought this summer. So, in our age of climate crisis and heightened awareness of water consumption, an immaculate, well-watered lawn is becoming increasingly taboo. But you don't need to ditch the lawn altogether, wrote Matt Collins last month. Provided we take a more sustainable approach to their upkeep, embracing beneficial 'weeds' and leaving areas of long grass, reducing our lawns' size, and mowing less often, they can still have a place in our gardens. And while you're at it, sow some native British wildflowers to encourage more pollinators and boost biodiversity: social enterprise Pollenize's seed packet contains grass – as well as wildflower seeds. Has something you bought made you fitter or healthier? It could be the budget resistance bands that have you working out every day, or a bento box that has inspired you to pack healthier lunches. Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
