Fad diets are playing havoc with your smile

From Cosmetic News Portal :

This year’s National Smile Month campaign slogan, ‘Teeth4Life’, highlights the importance of looking after your teeth and maintaining them for life, whilst also stressing that a healthy diet can improve the quality of your life. To celebrate this year’s National Smile Month (May 16th-June 16th 2010) campaign sponsor, Oral-B, has commissioned nationwide research in partnership with the British Dental Health Foundation, to help encourage the nation to brush up on oral hygiene to ensure Brits keep their ‘Teeth4Life’.

Highlighting the state of the nation’s smiles and attitudes to oral health, the survey investigates everything from how long people really brush for, to the knowledge about basic oral health facts. And in the run up to the World Cup, the report also reveals which football player the nation thinks has got the best and worst smile, and which summer diet is actually the most damaging for your teeth.

The British Dental Health Foundation and Oral-B research shows that people don’t understand that a smile can actually be a barometer of your overall wellbeing, and that a good oral care routine has potential health benefits beyond just your teeth and gums. Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation says; ‘Oral health is often seen as of secondary importance to general health - around 85% of people are completely unaware of the link between the health of the mouth and the health of the body. This year’s National Smile Month Theme: Teeth4Life will highlight the importance of maintaining and looking after the health your teeth throughout life.’

Luckily as summer approaches 60% of Brits understand that fad diets like the Maple Syrup Diet are going to play havoc with their smiles. However most people mistakenly think that red wine is worse for their teeth than white- incorrect! Research shows that red wine can actually ward off tooth decay (due to the chemicals in it that stop harmful bacteria sticking to teeth), and it is in fact white wines like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay that can be the most staining to teeth, as they actually wear away the protective enamel.

Shockingly a third of us think that nothing serious will happen to us if we neglect our gums, whereas research has linked gum disease to potential risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, premature births, low birth-weight babies, and even infertility.

Definitely time for Brits to brush up on their oral health knowledge! Furthermore the survey shows that people think you should only brush your teeth for around 30 seconds, when dentists recommend a minimum of 2 minutes every morning and evening.

Celebrity dentist and Oral-B ambassador Dr Phil Stemmer recommends using a power brush to ensure his patients brush for the optimum 2 minutes of time: “It is shocking that the National Smile Month research has revealed that people are only brushing their teeth for 30 seconds. To really ensure you brush for long enough, try the Oral-B PC Triumph 5000 with SmartGuide which not only times how long you brush your teeth for but also encourages better brushing habits. The SmartGuide display helps to prevent common problems like brushing too hard, not brushing for long enough and unequal brushing.”

The National Smile Month survey also reveals that over a quarter of people in the UK (26%) are damaging their teeth by brushing just after breakfast, while an astonishing 38% assume they should brush their teeth after every single meal for optimum oral health. Dr Phil Stemmer recommends brushing before eating,: “The enamel that coats the outer layer of our teeth is temporarily softened by acidic foods, such as fruit”, he explains.“Brush first thing in the morning before breakfast- and once more in evening at least half an hour after eating.”

In the football smile stakes, Cheryl Cole was voted the pearly queen, having the best celebrity WAG smile, whereas Rooney’s ankle injury has clearly left him down in the mouth - he has been voted the footballer with the worst smile, even compared to famously buck-toothed Ronaldinho.

Oral – B are the experts in oral care and as the number one brand recommended by UK dentists, passionately believe in helping the nation to brush up on their oral hygiene for healthier, confident smiles.