HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR MOUTH TODAY?

Say cheese!

Uhm! Yes I do require an answer; please leave it in the comment slot. Today, Zibah is gonna run through how healthy teeth results in a healthy heart. Surprised at the relationship- heart/ teeth? Don’t be after all if fart can have an effect on global warming, anything is possible, right Read on.You may have cultivated an excellent working relationship with your doctor. You may be eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. But have you seen your dentist lately? I know it sounds silly; most of us just brush in the morning and if our teeth are lucky, they gets cleaned again at night and we only unearth old diaries to get the dentist phone number when the ache in our gum becomes unbearable, right? Well, this is wrong because according to new findings, your dental state may impact your cardiovascular system, independent of any healthy habit, the culprit being periodontal (gum) diseases.

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gum caused by the accumulation of tartar and debris from trapped particles of food beneath the gum line. These accumulations cause inflammation of the gum which most of us have experienced in the form of gingivitis (results in the reddening of the gum). Due to the build-up of tartars and subsequent bacteria population that live in it, a steady release of toxins from bacteria and the presence of tartar causes the bone around the roots of the teeth to break down, the gums recede, and pockets of infection form in the affected surrounding tissues. This causes further destruction of the supporting bone and loosening of the teeth in their sockets. Without treatment, eventually the teeth are lost.

Teeth and heart

Studies have shown that periodontal bacteria and the toxins they produce may have an adverse effect on vascular health. An epidemiological study carried out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that greater tooth loss is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. I know, my nerd mode is in overdrive but that got your attention, right?

Also in another study carried out by a combined team of doctors and dentist with the Oral Infection and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST) reported that people with a high level of periodontal bacteria also had thicker internal linings of their carotid arteries (a major risk factor of stroke). Other studies suggest that people with periodontal disease had relatively high levels of a lethal type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDLs appear to promote atherosclerosis, and are often referred to as ‘‘bad cholesterol’’ and may translate into a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition, some researchers go so far as to warn that periodontal diseases maybe an independent risk factor, meaning that regardless of how healthy your eating habits are or how diligently you exercise, you may be putting yourself at greater risk of heart attack and stroke if you do not take proper care of your teeth.

The good news

Several trials have shown that intensive treatment for periodontal disease reduced blood levels of inflammation-related proteins, improved artery function and even led to better cholesterol and blood pressure reading.

At the highest risk of periodontal diseases are; tobacco chewers, smokers and those with diabetes, osteoporosis or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Though further research is still underway to confirm that oral health can impact cardiovascular health, it certainly does not hurt to take better care of your gums and teeth and luckily, unlike sweating it out on the treadmill every day, good dental hygiene may be an easy way to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke…and with that, I’m off to brush. I hope I remember to do this at least twice a day after today.

Cheers,
Zibah.