Invest in Your Gum Health

Photograph: Jutta Klee/ableimages

It's never too early to start safeguarding your physical health and appearance. None of us can stop the clock, but there's plenty you can do to keep yourself looking and feeling as good as possible. Invest some time and money in wellbeing routines now and your future self will thank you: you'll save yourself the stress of potentially expensive and time-consuming treatments further down the line.

When it comes to establishing how best to care for your personal health, choosing the right products is important. The Guardian and Oral-B joined forces with pollster ICM to quiz more than 2,000 UK adults about what they consider important, and how they spend their money, when it comes to health and fitness.

Skincare products, such as body lotion and moisturiser, are a major expenditure. Of those surveyed, 22% said they were most likely to spend money on these beauty accessories. Another 22% revealed they were most likely to splash out on bathing products, such as shower gel and bath foam.

The survey revealed that taking care of oral health is seen as a top priority for most people. Teeth are the number one concern for most people (35%) in terms of their general health and wellbeing. A third of respondents (33%) said they were most likely to spend their money on toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwash, to keep teeth healthy and their breath fresh, and to make sure their smile looks good.

This survey makes for encouraging reading because, in terms of safeguarding your future health, oral hygiene is hugely important. Gum problems can often lead to an unwanted session in the dentist's chair, and can prove expensive to treat too. But by taking care of your gums at any age, you're helping to protect yourself against problems that can affect your looks and your wallet.

It's vital to look after your skin and body, too. Daily cleansing, toning and moisturising will undoubtedly pay dividends, helping to keep skin smooth and hydrated. Regular facial massages can also make a difference, improving circulation, enhancing muscle tone and improving surface skin cell renewal.

Also never underestimate the importance of exercise. Any regular, moderately intense aerobic activity, such as fast walking or cycling, combined with activities to strengthen your muscles, keeps you healthier in body and mind.

Spend time now, save money later

Dental treatment can be costly and gum problems can start at any age. Preventing the onset of gum problems is the best way to invest in your future oral health. Use a great-quality toothpaste twice a day. Oral-B's Pro-Expert Premium Gum Protection Toothpaste reduces and helps to prevent gum problems in just four weeks. It fights tartar, reduces plaque and has a whitening effect to keep your smile beautiful. Complete your oral care routine with Oral-B's plaque-reducing Pro-Expert Premium Floss and Multi-Protection Mouthwash.

Source: The Guardian