If you weren’t aware, today (Saturday 20th March) is World Oral Health day! The purpose of World Oral Health day is to unite the world to help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affect individuals, health systems and economies everywhere.
Its purpose is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) states that our mouths shouldn’t be considered in isolation from the rest of the body, with oral issues sometimes linked to wider problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and even dementia.
Recent research from Colgate reveals that we may be at risk of oral health problems as we are not following simple steps to maintain a healthy oral health routine such as regularly changing our toothbrush, flossing or using mouthwash.
- 41% of us are not changing our toothbrush as regularly as we should (every 3 months).
- 62% would not consider changing their toothbrush after being unwell.
This World Oral Health Day, Colgate urges you to start looking after your mouth, and that isn’t just your teeth – it’s your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums.
Use a tongue cleaner
I cannot recommend enough incorporating a tongue cleaner/scraper into your oral routine. Tongue scrapers remove all of the bacteria build up that lays on top of your tongue. Not only does these bacteria contribute to bad smelling breath, but it also creates a build-up of plaque on your teeth.
You can purchase tongue scrapers really cheap online through websites such as eBay and amazon for a couple of pounds!
Floss! Floss! Floss!
Flossing is so simple yet so effective, it removes any dirt and excess food from in between your teeth which can again cause plaque build-up, bad breath, and poorer oral health.
Choose the right toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste may sound silly but it is so important to use the correct toothpaste to target what you want to tackle.
The combination of a quality toothpaste and toothbrush makes it easier to remove food particles and plaque from teeth. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. A typical toothpaste contains several ingredients that work together to keep teeth clean.
It is especially important if you struggle with your gums. Our gums form a seal around each tooth which provides a barrier against bacteria. However, despite their important role, our gums are part of a delicate living organ, just like skin, so we need to make sure we are treating them with the care they deserve.
Colgate Gum Invigorate Revitalise clinically proven formula contains minerals and ginseng extract and reduces bacteria along the gum line to progressively strengthen gums and build resilience.
The Colgate Gum Invigorate toothpaste enhances users’ gum health by up to 4 times (vs regular fluoride toothpaste) making it the perfect option for those looking to prioritise their oral health.
Consider sustainable toothbrushes
This World Oral Health Day change up your bathroom routine and choose an sustainable brush. Colgate have many on the market including our two favourites – the Bamboo Charcoal toothbrush, and the RecyClean toothbrush.
- Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush
The handle is made with 100% natural, biodegradable bamboo and is free from plastic packaging. The brush features tapered slim-tip bristles infused with Binchotan charcoal which get to those hard-to-reach places whilst gently cleaning the gums.
The newest launch from Colgate – the RecyClean brush with a handle made of 100% recycled plastic. The new brush is a great alternative for those wanting to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, whilst reducing their plastic consumption.
The compact brush head is perfect to get to those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, while the multi-height bristles gives a deep clean, helping to prevent plaque build-up and keep teeth healthy.
Adding to the brush’s sustainability credentials, the RecyClean packaging is completely free from plastic meaning it can be easily recycled. The sustainable brush bristles are made from renewable plant-based materials, which are BPA free and have no added colourants.
