Gross reality of what happens to your teeth if you don’t brush for five days at Glastonbury
Festival season is officially upon us, and the UK’s most famous music festival, Glastonbury, is back for a 54th year.
With that in mind, it is important that you are up to date with all the best hygiene tips ahead of a long, manic and sweaty weekend.
We all know hygiene probably isn't at the top of your priority list whilst getting prepared for this weekend, especially oral hygiene.
However, to keep you from being the friend with the smelly breath at the festival, below is an explanation of the risks that will occur if you don’t look after your oral hygiene over this coming weekend and how to fix it.
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Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, has explained that a lack of care for your teeth and gums can lead to bad smelling breath, gum inflammation, a buildup of plaque, decay, cavities, and even tooth loss.
We know that this is the extreme and a five-day festival is unlikely to cause teeth loss and decay but, to keep your mouth healthy and clean long term, constant care is a necessity, meaning letting it slip this weekend may cause future problems.
Caitlin Miller, head of dental hygiene and therapy at Bupa Dental Care, confirmed this and said: “Even though going five days without brushing won’t cause permanent damage, it can set the stage for more significant dental issues.”
Miller and Carter, the oral hygiene experts, have also explained how to look after your pearly whites if you don’t have access to a toothbrush or toothpaste this weekend at Glastonbury.
The importance of brushing
Carter has said: “Once plaque’s 24 hours old, it starts to cause problems in terms of gum inflammation,”
This plaque can begin to build up after not brushing your teeth just once!
Regardless of the plaque, if you aren’t brushing your teeth at Glastonbury this weekend, it’s highly unlikely you are going to be kissable.
With a capacity of 200,000 you may find your Princess or Prince Charming this weekend, and no one wants five days of unbrushed teeth breath hitting them when you make your move.
Miller explains: “Skipping brushing for a while can result in bad breath due to the build-up of bacteria and food particles, releasing sulphur compounds that smell unpleasant.”
Dry brushing
If you don’t fancy paying the £2.50 each day for a can of water to brush your teeth, then try dry brushing.
Carter explains that: “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.”
Even toothpaste is not a necessity as it is the act of brushing that is most important.
If you really don’t have enough room in that giant festival rucksack of yours for a toothbrush then Carter suggests you use your finger.
It may not be the ideal way of keeping up to date with your oral hygiene, but if you ensure those festival fingers are clean, it’s better than nothing.
Gum as a last resort
A final attempt at keeping all you festival goers squeaky clean this weekend is the advice to stick to the basics.
Make sure you are chewing sugar free gum, staying hydrated and use mouthwash where you can.
“Just by chewing the sugar-free gum, you’re increasing the saliva flow which is the teeth’s natural protective mechanism” Carter explained.
Miller added: “Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints containing xylitol can neutralise acids and stimulate saliva, which is vital for your oral health.”
She also said: “Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash can kill bacteria, freshen your breath and help fight decay.”
The importance of keeping hydrated
Finally, for more reasons than just your oral hygiene, make sure you are drinking as much water as possible during the festival, and staying hydrated.
“Drinking water frequently can rinse away food particles and bacteria, and reducing your sugar intake lowers the risk of cavities."
It can also stop that British sun from making you unwell and ensure you have a brilliant weekend.
Topics: Festivals, Glastonbury, Advice, Health, Summer, UK News
Milly Harrison