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Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Over half the adult population in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26052472">UK and US</a> have gum disease. Typical treatments include <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">mouthwash</a> and in severe cases, <a href="https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/vetn.2017.8.10.542">antibiotics</a>. These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a> and increased <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">blood pressure</a>. But research has indicated that a molecule called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which is found in leafy green vegetables, has fewer side effects and offers greater benefits for oral health. And it could be used as a natural alternative for treating oral disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing leads to the build up of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">dental plaque</a>, a sticky layer of bacteria, on the surface of teeth and gums. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. Sugary and acidic foods, dry mouth, and smoking can also contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum infections. The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Gingivitis</a> causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Periodontitis</a> is a more advanced form of gum disease, causing damage to the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can therefore, lead to tooth loss and, when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, can also contribute to the development of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015163">systemic disorders</a> such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. <h2>Leafy greens may be the secret</h2> Leafy greens and root vegetables are bursting with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000312">vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants</a> – and it’s no secret that a diet consisting of these vegetables is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system, and preventing <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2048004016661435">heart disease, cancer and diabetes.</a> The multiple health benefits of leafy greens are partly because spinach, lettuce and beetroots are brimming with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which can be reduced to nitric oxide by nitrate-reducing bacteria inside the mouth. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7zrRlMGeBes?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Popeye knew a thing or two about the health benefits of eating leafy greens. Boomerang Official, 2017.</figcaption></figure> Nitric oxide is known to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295222004191">lower blood pressure</a> and improve <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">exercise performance</a>. However, in the mouth, it helps to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and reduces <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">oral acidity</a>, both of which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. As part of our research on nitrate and oral health, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">we studied competitive athletes</a>. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9839431/">Athletes are prone to gum disease</a> due to high intake of carbohydrates – which can cause inflammation of the gum tissues – stress, and dry mouth from breathing hard during training. Our study showed that beetroot juice (containing approximately 12 <a href="https://www.nursingtimes.net/students/an-easy-guide-to-mmols-09-02-2012/">millimole</a> of nitrate) protected their teeth from acidic sports drinks and carbohydrate gels during exercise – suggesting that nitrate could be used as a prebiotic by athletes to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Nitrate offers a lot of promise as an oral health <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">prebiotic</a>. Good oral hygiene and a nitrate rich diet could be the key to a healthier body, a vibrant smile and disease-free gums. This is good news for those most at risk of oral health deterioration such as <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Periodontitis-and-Pregnancy.aspx">pregnant women</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8771712/">the elderly</a>. In the UK, antiseptic mouthwashes containing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">chlorhexidine</a> are commonly used to treat dental plaque and gum disease. Unfortunately, these mouthwashes are a blunderbuss approach to oral health, as they indiscriminately remove both good and bad bacteria and increase oral acidity, which can cause disease. Worryingly, early research also indicates that chlorhexidine may contribute to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a>. Resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi survive the effects of one or more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768623/">antimicrobial drugs</a> due to repeated exposure to these treatments. Antimicrobial resistance is a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02724-0/fulltext">global health concern</a>, predicted to cause 10 million deaths yearly by the year 2050. In contrast, dietary nitrate is more targeted. Nitrate eliminates disease-associated bacteria, reduces oral acidity and creates a balanced <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2944498/">oral microbiome</a>. The oral microbiome refers to all the microorganisms in the mouth. Nitrate offers exciting potential as an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">oral health prebiotic</a>, which can be used to prevent disease onset or limit disease progression. <h2>How many leafy greens for pearly whites?</h2> So how much should we consume daily? As a rule of thumb, a generous helping of spinach, kale or beetroot at mealtimes contains about 6-10 mmol of nitrate and offers immediate health benefits. Work we have done with our collaborators has shown that treating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">plaque samples</a> from periodontal disease patients with 6.5 mmol of nitrate increased healthy bacteria levels and reduced acidity. For example, consuming <a href="https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/JPER.20-0778">lettuce juice</a> for two weeks reduced gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patients with gum disease. Growing evidence suggests that nitrate is a cornerstone of oral health. Crunching on a portion of vegetables at mealtimes can help to prevent or treat oral disease and keeps the mouth fresh and healthy.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221181/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, Lecturer, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, PhD candidate, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eating-leafy-greens-could-be-better-for-oral-health-than-using-mouthwash-221181">original article</a>.

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The surprising step you've been missing from your oral care routine

Three quarters of Australian adults were warned against chewing gum as a child. But this Dental Health Week (3-9 August 2020), Australian dentists are saying quite the opposite. According to new YouGov data on the chewing habits of Australians, almost a third of Australian adults were told as children that chewing gum was rude, and nearly a quarter were told it was bad for your teeth. But leading dentists say sugarfree gum actually plays a key role in looking after your dental health. In the midst of a global pandemic it would be no surprise some of us are hesitant to keep up regular dental checks. In fact, the ADA's Oral Health Tracker found that just under half (48.8%) of adults surveyed had visited a dentist for a check-up in the last 12 months - a number that is anticipated to get worse as Australians avoid the dentist due to fears of proximity to others, job losses result in people spending less on their health and people are stuck at home eating sugary foods more regularly. Sydney dentist Dr Jalal Khan says there are some simple ways all Australians keep up their oral health even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Khan says more Aussies should consider chewing sugarfree gum after eating or drinking when brushing isn’t possible, because it helps to neutralise plaque acid and maintain tooth enamel. “Oral hygiene and looking after our teeth isn’t something we should do just once or twice a day, in the morning and night, because we eat and snack so frequently throughout the day,” Dr Khan said. “Chewing sugarfree gum helps to fill the gaps between brushing and flossing creating a healthy environment for our teeth.” A recent scientific literature review by King’s College found chewing sugarfree gum could help reduce the incidence and growth of dental caries by up to 28 per cent. Despite being preventable, tooth decay is one of Australia’s most common oral health problems and is on the rise among Australian adults and children. Maintaining good oral health is fundamental to overall health, reduces risk of chronic diseases and improves mental wellbeing. This week, Dr Jalal Khan drilled down into new YouGov research on Australia’s chewing habits to bust some long-held myths about chewing gum: <ul> <li>Bad manners or healthy habit? - The main reason Aussies don’t chew gum is because they think it’s rude (29% of adults). </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “The fact is chewing sugar-free gum is a healthy habit that helps look after your teeth. The act of chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which clears food particles, and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. Only 17% of Aussie adults chew gum after eating and drinking to look after their teeth.” <ul> <li>Not all gums are equal - A quarter (25%) of Australian adults avoid chewing gum because they believe it contains sugar.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Most gum (93%) on the market is sugarfree and endorsed by national dental bodies. I recommend looking for gum that displays the Australian Dental Association or FDI World Dental Federation logos on the back of pack.” <ul> <li>Is there a right (or wrong) time to chew? - While 17% of adults chew before eating to prevent snacking or over-eating, dentists say chewing after a meal has more benefits. </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “If you are on the go, it’s best to chew gum after you’ve finished a meal to stimulate saliva flow, which clears food particles and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. It’s important to chew for at least 20 minutes as this has been shown to help maintain the enamel on your teeth.” <ul> <li>What happens if you swallow gum? As children, over half of us (55% of Australian adults) were told that if you swallow gum it stays in your stomach.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “It’s an old wives’ tale that’s been passed down by each generation. The truth is if you swallow gum it will NOT stay in your stomach. Although chewing gum is not designed to be swallowed, it simply passes through your body’s digestive system after a few days.” <ul> <li>Brushing and flossing isn’t enough to maintain fresh breath - Almost three quarters (74%) of people that chew gum, do it to freshen their breath.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Brushing, flossing and chewing gum all help to keep your breath fresh but so does your diet. I’m not just talking about avoiding garlic. Our mouth is the front end of our gut and it’s lined with bacteria. The mix of the bacteria in your mouth and gut can directly influence the smell of your breath.” To keep your teeth healthy, Dr Khan recommends five simple steps: <ol> <li>Get regular check-ups from your <a href="https://www.ada.org.au/Find-a-Dentist">dentist</a> (once every six months is generally recommended)</li> <li>Brush twice a day</li> <li>Floss daily</li> <li>Eat a healthy, balanced diet </li> <li>Chew sugarfree gum after eating or drinking and when on-the-go </li> </ol> Issued on behalf of the Extra Oral Healthcare Program Dr Jalal Khan is a Sydney-based dentist and a member of the NSW Australian Dental Association. Dr Khan has a North Sydney dental clinic and runs a mobile dental truck to provide dental services to regional communities in need.

Body

Is the art of oral storytelling dead?

Once upon a time, in a place not so far away, four small children were enjoying a fun-filled trip to their grandparents’ home. The sun had slipped beneath the horizon, and bedtime had arrived. “Please can you tell us a story Poppy!” begged the grandkids, their little faces bright with anticipation. For they knew this meant one thing: The chance to listen to their beloved Pop as he conjured up weird and wonderful tales from the depths of his imagination, while the kids lay in wait, wearing silly, satisfied smiles, eager for what would be said next. This act, known as oral storytelling, harkens back to a simpler time – long before our world was overrun by all things technology. It was the way our ancestors ensured their own tales were going to live on and or included the sharing of those famous fables and fairy tales that marched on through every generation. But somehow in the crazy whirl of modern life, this art has become almost extinct. Enter Morgan Schatz Blackrose, author and storyteller extraordinaire with over 28 years’ experience, who is determined to see this wondrous activity reinstated as the norm in our homes. “From the time we are able to talk, each and every one of us has a story to tell,” Morgan says. “Children learn to love and trust listening to lullabies, they learn to laugh with finger and face rhymes, they learn coordination and rhythm with lap rhymes, and they learn to how to appropriately participate and express themselves through storytelling. “There are numerous literacy learning outcomes that children experience with regular participation in storytelling sessions, but most importantly they learn to listen to their own thoughts and the words of others.” And while reading to children at home is the message parents are pushed to receive, Morgan says that telling them your own tales should be given the same weight of importance, as the art of oral storytelling is vital in the emotional, social and cognitive development of our kids. “Oral storytelling has a flexibility that reading a book does not, because telling a story is not governed by the text but by the relationship between the listener and the teller,” she explains. “In this direct communication, the heart listens as well as the ears, and mutual feelings of love and trust are kindled in this shared intimacy.” To this end, storytelling is an act of love, evoking emotions that will be remembered long after the story is over. “The stories may or may not be remembered, but the feelings of joy and fun in the shared experience of storytelling will always be remembered.” And while we may not always realise it, oral storytelling is still very much present in our daily life today. “Oral storytelling is how human beings from all cultures communicate with each other in their daily lives,” Morgan says. “Ask a question and you receive a story as an answer. We call these stories anecdotes, riddles, tall tales and jokes.” For parents who want to introduce oral storytelling into the lives of their own children, but are unsure where to start, she says, “Storytelling is not a test. So what if you forget the exactness of it – you’re telling the story your way. Children want to know what your life was like as a kid, so tell them about school, the games you played, your friends, the characters in your family, the trouble you got into. “And if it’s painful? You determine what you want to share and when. There is no set text so you can add or omit what you like,” Morgan says. “Many parents tell stories from their cultural tradition and/or their family history. “The stories of parents and grandparents help children to understand their heritage, history and identity, as well as helping to forge strong and loving bonds between family members.” Morgan’s final plea so this forgotten art of oral storytelling lives on, is this: “Turn off your phones, shut down your computer screens, and sit down and tell a story – any story, even if it’s a joke. Story begets story, so someone will share another one. “If older members of your family visit then ask them to share a story. If you like, bring out a photo album as a prop. “If you find the formality of creating a storytelling space too difficult, then take the opportunity to spontaneously share a story whenever you can, or at mealtime ask the question: ‘What did you like best about today?’ A story will certainly follow.” What do you think? Do you still regale your grandkids with tall tales? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Written by Donna Webeck. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/why-grandchildren-need-grandparents/">4 reasons grandchildren need their grandparents</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/how-to-help-your-grandchild-love-learning/">How to help your grandchild love learning</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/best-way-to-communicate-with-teenage-grandchildren/">Best way to communicate with teenage grandchildren</a>

Family & Pets

Investigation suggests flossing is a waste of time

It’s been a bone of contention between dentists and their patients for decades, but finally the research appears to prove once and for all that flossing is actually a complete waste of time. A US <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/f7e66079d9ba4b4985d7af350619a9e3/medical-benefits-dental-floss-unproven" target="_blank">investigation</a> by the Associated Press found that there is very little convincing evidence in support of regularly using tooth floss, despite being recommended by dental professionals and governments in the US since 1979. The AP investigation looked at 25 studies on the effectiveness of flossing versus brushing alone, and found that evidence in favour of using dental floss was “weak” and “unreliable”. “The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal,” concluded one study. A 2011 review did suggest that dental floss may be effective in slightly reducing inflammation of the gums, but it was discredited by reviewers, who deemed the evidence “very unreliable”. In fact, some have even suggested that whatever benefit flossing may have on oral health would be so small as to be almost undetectable. It is also worth noting that many of the studies reporting benefits of flossing were funded by dental floss manufacturers. Therefore, this investigation could have huge ramifications for the oral hygiene industry and the flossing business in particular, which alone is worth a startling $2.6 billion worldwide. However, experts say it’s better to be safe than sorry. “It’s low-risk, low-cost,” dentist Tim Iafolla told AP. “We know there’s a possibility that it works, so we feel comfortable telling people to go ahead and do it.” Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/10-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss/">10 surprising uses for dental floss</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/">7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/surprising-tips-for-using-a-toothbrush-more-efficiently/">Surprising tips for using a toothbrush more efficiently</a>

News

Why you should always floss

We always hear about the importance of flossing when we visit the dentist, but just how bad is it if you give the dental floss a miss once in a while? As it turns out, very bad. A startling number of us still aren’t flossing every day, and we’re paying the price. Brushing, no matter how efficiently and thoroughly you might think you’re doing it, simply isn’t enough. In fact, Dr Timothy Chase from SmilesNY said brushing and rinsing leaves your mouth half as clean as those who floss as well. “The bacteria that cause cavities and gum infection hide in the area between teeth and in the pockets under the gums—the only way to get them out is with dental floss,” he tells <a href="http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/a55726/dental-floss/" target="_blank">Woman’s Day</a>. “Never flossing will eventually lead to cavities between the teeth and gum disease in most people.” Gum disease is the fifth-most commonly reported health issue among Australians, and despite what you might think, it’s an incredibly serious condition which could lead to losing teeth. “Gum disease causes inflammation of the gingival tissue and loss of the periodontal bone that supports the teeth,” Dr Alison Newgard from the Columbia University College of Dentistry explains. In fact, gum disease has even been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. So, if ever you needed a reason to up your flossing game, this is it. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/8-things-you-can-clean-with-a-toothbrush/">8 things you can (and should) clean with a toothbrush</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/10-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss/">10 surprising uses for dental floss</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/">7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</a>

News

7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new

If you’re one of the many Australians who have either partial of full dentures, you’ll know that they need extra care. Keep them in tip-top condition with these seven golden rules. 1. Give them a break Both your mouth and dentures need a break for between six to eight hours per day. This gives your mouth tissue time to recover and your dentures time to be cleaned and sterilised. Most people take their dentures out overnight and leave to soak in a denture cleanser which helps remove stains, plague, tartar and bacteria. 2. Handle with care Dentures are a necessary expense. Easily breakable, the last thing you want it to have them broken. Always clean over a folded towel or bowl of water in case you accidently drop them. Never use toothpicks or hard brushes on them and keep out of reach of children and pets. 3. Clean them daily Dentures may not be your ‘real’ teeth but this doesn’t make them immune from the build up of stains, plaque and tartar. Plaque in particular can lead to infection and irritation in the gums underneath. Brush your dentures daily with a soft bristled or denture specific toothbrush and toothpaste. 4. Take care of your mouth Even if you have complete dentures, you still need to take care of your gums. Whenever you take out your dentures, give your mouth a rinse and massage your gums with a soft toothbrush. 5. See your dentist Having dentures doesn’t mean that regular dentist visits are a thing of the past. You should still see your dentist yearly to ensure good oral hygiene. 6. Watch for changes in fit If your dentures become uncomfortable, it’s important to visit your dentist. The gums and bones in our mouth can change over time, which leads to issues with fit. Adjusting your dentures is a quick and easy process, so don’t delay. 7. Nourish the rest of your body Dentures can make eating some foods difficult. Ensure you’re eating well and fuelling your body with the essential nutrients it needs. When was the last time you got to the dentist? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/05/student-straightens-own-teeth/">Student straightens his own teeth for less than $80</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/surprising-tips-for-using-a-toothbrush-more-efficiently/">Surprising tips for using a toothbrush more efficiently</a> <a href="/finance/insurance/2016/05/8-most-bizarre-insurance-claims-ever/">8 most bizarre insurance claims ever</a>

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Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash

The surprising step you've been missing from your oral care routine

Is the art of oral storytelling dead?

Investigation suggests flossing is a waste of time

Why you should always floss

7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new