Daily Oral Hygiene: Put Your Heart Into It

Attention dental patients: brushing twice daily may help reduce your risk of heart disease. Scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems. However, a recent study evaluated oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal. At McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry, we want all our patients to take their oral hygiene seriously.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

The Scottish survey is one of many that verifies the link between oral health and overall energy. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean-distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and cavities, you are at risk for harmful problems in other areas of the body.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile makeover. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic issues you wish to have repaired.

If you have a small child who has not yet visited a dentist, it is critical to schedule an exam today. My welcoming team and I will help keep your child’s smile beautiful for life.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527204227.htm