English Lessons
Today, let’s talk about a visit to the dentist. It’s a place all of us at some point in our lives end up visiting. Most people hate going, as the thought of having a filling or a tooth removed generally puts the fear of god up them.
Many dental practices have a waiting room. Some magazines generally sit in a pile on a table next to some chairs. Fish tanks used to be popular in waiting rooms.
“A spoonful of sugar… helps the medicine go down - in a most delightful way.” These lyrics come from the movie Mary Poppins. Is it true?
The World Health Organisation recently urged people to reduce their sugar intake. The new guidelines recommend no more than 10% of a person’s daily energy should come from sugars – around 50g or 12 teaspoons a day. Experts (whoever they are) say that people should aim for 5% - 25g or 6 teaspoons a day. It is said that lowering one’s sugar intake decreases the risk of obesity and tooth decay.
When was the last time you visited the dentist? How often do you brush your teeth? If your answer to the latter question is twice a day then this, according to dentists, is the right answer. People who fail to brush their teeth twice a day are putting themselves at risk of disease, say researchers.
A recent study in Scotland of more than 11,000 adults found those with poor oral hygiene had a 70% increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed their teeth twice a day. The British Medical Journal study backs previous work showing a link between gum disease and heart problems. But a charity said oral health was just one factor in good heart health.
It is known that inflammation in the body, including in the mouth and gums, has an important role in the build up of clogged arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. But this is the first time researchers have looked at whether the frequency of teeth brushing has any bearing on the risk of developing heart disease. If you don’t brush your teeth, your mouth can become infected with bacteria which can cause inflammation.
Category: Medical English / Dentists / Teeth
