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Brush Your Teeth for a Healthier Heart

June 3, 2011 By Angela

Most people take for granted their oral health for the simple reason that nobody has really died of toothache. But then, millions have died of heart attack. So how does brushing one’s teeth have to do with one’s cardiac health? According to Dr. Michael Froeschie of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute says that there is a close link between the two.

Dr. Froeschie, an interventional cardiologist, says that oral health is a factor for those people who are at risk of developing heart and heart valve infections. These individuals include those who have not had any valve replacement whether that be made of biologic material or a mechanical device.

For those who are still doubtful of this correlation, Dr. Froeschie reminds us of the normal practice of performing dental assessments on patients who are going on a heart-valve surgery. Prior and after the surgery, patients are always encouraged by their doctors to have a strict oral health regimen and make it a point to visit the dentist regularly. This is because good oral health is a patient’s first line of defense against developing valve infections. Patients should take antibiotics while visiting the dentist although greater emphasis should be on good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Aside from individuals with heart valves, those who are on blood thinners should be very cautious when it comes to their oral health as well. These individuals are most commonly those with stents. These stents are tubes which function to keep blocked arteries open for continued normal circulation of blood. When a person has just undergone a stenting procedure, it is mandatory that the patient be on blood thinners to prevent blood clots. However, certain dental work can cause blood clots. For this reason, there should be close collaboration between the dentist and the cardiologist.

Finally, studies are suggesting the periodontal diseases are linked to vascular diseases including the risk for developing and influencing the progression of the vascular disease. Although this correlation is not yet well substantiated, there have been studies supporting this claim. One explanation suggests that the same infection that is causing the periodontal disease is also what causes the inflammation of the coronary arteries.

Finally, people would diabetes should be more particular with their oral health since people with higher blood glucose in their systems have an increased risk of developing gum infections since bacteria will more likely thrive in environments that are abundant with sugar.

Elliot Pearson Writes as a specialist for Dentist Identity who provides Dental Marketing and Dental Practice SEO

Brush your teeth for a healthy heart

May 2, 2011 By Richard

Dental hygienist flossing a patient's teeth du...
Image via Wikipedia

Most people recognize the importance of good oral hygiene for healthy, strong teeth but many people may not be aware of the serious health issues linked with poor oral health. For many years, dentists have believed that the mouth provided a window for the rest of the body and of late numerous research studies have confirmed a link between good oral and general health, thus making brushing your teeth more important than ever.

How is oral health linked to heart disease?

It may seem strange that brushing your teeth could help to effectively save your life but many research studies have now confirmed that this may be the case. In 2010, a research team led by Professor Richard Watt, from University College London, used information published in the British Medical Journal to determine how oral health affects heart health. The study involved more than 11,000 people and researchers found that people who do not brush their teeth twice a day are up to 70% more likely to suffer a heart attack than people who brush their teeth twice a day. The study took a number of different factors into account, including lifestyle choices and medical history.

The results of the 2010 study were supported by a study carried out at the University of California’s Berkeley School of Public Health; the study, which focused on the link between heart disease and oral health in women, found that women who attended regular dental visits were much less likely to suffer from heart disease.

Why do oral health problems contribute to heart disease?

The relationship between heart disease and oral health has become an increasingly important issue, as a number of studies have now found that a healthy mouth can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart disease, as well as strokes. Many experts have attributed the relationship between oral health conditions and heart conditions to the presence of harmful bacteria; bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and it may attach to fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries, causing inflammation. Inflammation is linked to strokes and heart attacks, as blood flow around the body becomes disrupted and this affects the transportation of oxygen to the brain.

Preventing oral health and heart problems

Research into the link between oral health and an increased risk of heart disease is ongoing but many studies have already confirmed that poor oral health can cause heart problems and dentists are therefore keen to promote good oral hygiene and raise awareness of the importance of good oral health.

In order to keep dental and general health problems at bay, there are a few simple steps you can take:

  • brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time (most people brush in the morning and then again in the evening)
  • avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
  • use dental floss on a regular basis
  • use mouthwash
  • visit your dentist every six to twelve months for a routine check-up; if you experience pain, bleeding or swelling, arrange to see your dentist as soon as possible

Richard is a contributor to the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide resource where he has come to learn that a healthy smile goes a long way to one’s overall health. He partakes in some online marketing and also has some creative writing he does on the side. He would like to wish you all a healthy heart.

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