You have decided to turn over a new leaf. From now on, you’re going to eat right, exercise regularly, look after your teeth, get enough sleep and have quality time for you! Yes, this is the year you are going to make yourself over into a glowing picture of health!
It’s a noble goal, to look after your teeth, and one we can all achieve if we approach it sensibly, but are you forgetting anything? What about including these simple tools into your plan: A toothbrush, some dental floss and regular dental appointments.
It might surprise you to hear that skimping on dental care now could damage your overall health and cost you a lot more time and money later on. According to one study, researchers found they could predict a person’s vulnerability to heart disease just by looking at their oral health. The presence of disorders such as cavities, missing teeth or diseased gums was as effective in predicting a patient’s risk for heart troubles as blood tests or cholesterol levels.
The Links Between Health and Teeth
Researches are finding more and more links between oral health – or the lack of it – and other health problems. Most notable is the link between gum disease (periodontitis) and heart disease of various kinds. The bacteria and resulting inflammation responsible for diseased gums may, by traveling through the bloodstream, contribute to build-up of cardiovascular plaques or blood clots in the coronary arteries, thus increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Other chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and also diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are increasingly being associated with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has now been called a complication of diabetes, however, the jury is still out on what comes first – the diabetes, or the gum disease.
When you consider the potential cost of these major problems, not the least of which could be loss of life, proper dental care looks like a mighty good investment. Many dentists and periodontists recommend twice-yearly examinations and check-ups along with daily self care including brushing and flossing. Be sure to consult with your dentist or hygienist to determine an optimum schedule for you.
Healthy Teeth = Feeling Good!
And, what about the positive effects of good oral hygiene on your teeth as well as your health? Here’ s one result you can see immediately – your SMILE!. Aside from the confidence you get from a bright smile, did you know that smiling can actually lower the blood pressure while releasing endorphins; those natural, feel good molecules that relieve pain and increase our sense of well being? With good dental care you teeth can stay clean and strong and your gums healthy for may years and may many more smiles to come!
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