Festivals are notorious for grubby toilets, endless shower queues and limited access to sinks, so hygiene can be a little tricky to keep on top of – but a doctor has urged you to think twice about skipping it. We all know how important it is to brush our teeth, and not looking after your gnashers and gums can lead to a whole host of issues including bad breath, build-up of plaque, cavities, tooth decay, gum inflammation and even tooth loss. As thousands of festival-goers have set up camp at Glastonbury, it’s going to be a long and sweaty weekend, but one dentist has shared what happens if you don’t keep on top of your oral hygiene. Caitlin Miller, head of dental hygiene and therapy at Bupa Dental Care, told Tyla: “Even though going five days without brushing won’t cause permanent damage, it can set the stage for more significant dental issues.” She said that even missing just one day of brushing can lead to plaque build-up, which can be the start of many issues.”
A build up of plaque can cause gum inflammation after just 24 hours. Plus, you won’t want to kiss anyone with bad breath. Bad breath is caused by a build-up of bacteria and food in the mouth that cause unpleasant smells – gross. If you don’t have access to a sink, or you simply don’t want to have to keep buying water to brush your teeth, Caitlin suggested dry brushing. While it’s not the best option, it’s better than nothing. The expert said: “Brushing dry isn’t a bad thing – it’s certainly better than not brushing at all. While you might not get all the plaque off, you disrupt the plaque and that will be good.” She stated that the motion of brushing itself is more important than the toothpaste.
If you’re in truly desperate times without a toothbrush, the expert suggests using your finger instead. And as a last resort, the pro suggested chewing on some sugar-free gum. “Just by chewing the sugar-free gum, you’re increasing the saliva flow which is the teeth’s natural protective mechanism. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints containing xylitol can neutralise acids and stimulate saliva, which is vital for your oral health.” Using a mouthwash can help to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh, and staying hydrated will help to rinse away any lurking food particles and lower the risk of needing a filling when you’re home.
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