If I told you that the health of your teeth and gums might have more to do with the health of your heart than those chocolate crème filled donuts you love, would you believe me? Well, you should because it is absolutely true. In a Scottish Health Survey published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), researchers followed the teeth brushing habits of cardiac patients for over eight years. The results of the study verify what cardiologists have begun to realize; healthy teeth and gums are important to cardiac health.
It’s All About Inflammation
Healthy teeth and gums contribute to your heart’s health in an amazing way. Heart research has been pointing the way to this conclusion for quite a while. Here is what’s happening when you have unhealthy gums or teeth. Periodontal disease is the result of a bacterial infection in the gums. This infection triggers a response that induces your body to pump compounds that increase inflammation in your coronary arteries. That’s the simplified version. Curious for more details? Check out the facts on the Web or at your local library.
Fighting Back With a Toothbrush
Although it’s small, your toothbrush is a powerful ally in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The Scottish Health Survey discussed in the BMJ showed that brushing twice a day significantly cut the likelihood of heart disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first of a two-pronged attack that should help you win the fight against coronary artery disease. The second prong is yearly dental checkups and teeth cleaning by a certified dental hygienist. By remembering to visit your dentist at least yearly, you are protecting your overall health and well being.
Runaway inflammation is proving to be the enemy of many systems in the body. By maintain good dental hygiene, you can protect yourself from the ravages of an over active inflammatory response. Tooth brushing and yearly visits to your dentist seems a small price to pay for a strong and healthy heart.