Gum disease: The way you brush your teeth could be raising your risk say experts

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Bacterial infections in the mouth have been linked to health consequences in other areas of the body.

Inflammatory molecules produced by bacterial in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to damage the brain and other organs.

Gum disease is preventable by maintaining good habits of brushing teeth, flossing and visiting a dentist.

Despite the widespread agreement dental health is good, experts have very mixed opinions on how to go about it.

A UCL study published in the British Dental Journal found there was an “unacceptably wide diversity in recommendations” on the correct way to brush teeth.

No agreement could be found between the methods suggested by toothpaste companies, dental associations, medical textbooks and research papers.

We know the prickly end goes in our mouth, but there are many small disagreements about what to do next.

Senior author Professor Aubrey Sheiham said: “If people hear one thing from a dental association, another from a toothbrush company and something else from their dentist, no wonder they are confused about how to brush.

“In this study we found an unacceptably inconsistent array of advice from different sources.”

“Dental associations need to be consistent about what method to recommend, based on how effective the method is.”

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Professor Sheiham was especially concerned about some groups recommending complex brushing techniques that don’t offer any benefit over a regular scrubbing motion.

Lead author Dr John Wainwright said: “For something most people do twice a day, you would expect dentists to send a clearer, more unified message to their patients on how to brush their teeth.

“All too frequently I am asked why the method I am describing differs from how previous dentists have taught them in the past.”

Dr Wainwright’s recommended method is to focus brushing on the areas where plaque collects in the greatest amounts: The biting surfaces and the base of the teeth where they meet the gums.

Professor Sheiham advises a simple horizontal scrubbing motion, with the brush held at a 45 degree angle.

The 45 degree angle allows it to catch a greater amount of plaque.

Other experts have also commented on the UCL study.

Professor Michael Yunker of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health notes there isn’t a single optimal technique that is the ‘best’ brushing method for everyone.

“Frankly, the best technique is whatever each person needs to do for their particular dental situation.”

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