314-966-7778
kirkwooddentalcare@yahoo.com
A recent study says it's likely they do.
It's been said that people who live together for a long time start to resemble one another. Now, according to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry and the University of North Carolina, it's been shown that long-term couples also have similar oral hygiene habits.
The study revealed that individuals who neglect their teeth are 32 times more likely to live with someone who also has poor dental habits. Those who take good care of their teeth are 5.4 times more likely to share these positive dental habits with their partner.
Also, those who choose to ignore the fact that their oral health is in trouble are 1.5 times more likely to have a partner who is also in denial. And those who fuss and worry about their teeth and gums, even though they're in great shape, are 3.6 times more likely to have a partner with similar, unfounded concerns.
What does this tell us?
How can you use this information? If you live with someone with poor oral hygiene habits, take a look at your own. Do you floss each day? Do you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and definitely before bedtime? Do you see a dentist twice a year for an exam and a professional cleaning?
If you don't, you should know that, because your oral health affects your overall health, it's well worth the small amount of effort to consciously improve your oral hygiene habits. And in doing so, you could also help improve the oral health of your partner.