Dentistry A Healthy Heart Linked To A Healthy Smile

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A Healthy Heart Linked To A Healthy Smile
Science Daily (August 22, 2009) A Healthy Heart Linked To A Healthy Smile Each year, cardiovascular disease kills more People than cancer.

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Each year, cardiovascular disease kills more People than cancer. And while most people are aware that lifestyle choices such as eating right, getting enough exercise and quitting smoking can help prevent cardiovascular disease, they may not know that by just brushing and flossing their teeth each day, they might also be avoiding this potentially lethal condition.

Do your body a favour. Go to the dentist. Research shows there may be a link between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as premature and low-birth-weight babies. Although scientists are only just beginning to understand this link, dentists are encouraging people to make oral health care a regular part of a healthy lifestyle.

Good health requires good nutrition, but if you don't have strong teeth and healthy gums, your ability to eat properly is diminished. Your choice of foods becomes restricted, and you may have difficulties getting all the nutrients you need.

And it only makes sense that chronic infections in the mouth, as are common with people with gingivitis or gum disease, puts strain on the body's immune system.

To help people learn more about preventing oral disease, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) urges Canadians to talk to their dentist during National Oral Health Month, which occurs every year in April.

Prevention of gum and tooth problems
For your mouth as for your car, it makes good sense to do some maintenance on a regular basis rather than let a problem grow out of hand from neglect. Follow the Canadian Dental Association's Five-Point Prevention Plan to keep youth teeth and gums healthy.

Five-Point Prevention Plan
Brush your teeth carefully at least once every 24 hours.
It takes about 2.5 to 3 minutes to do the job right.
Floss your teeth daily.
Flossing cleans those areas your toothbrush simply can't reach between the teeth and under the gumline.
Eat, drink, but be wary.
Eat a well-balanced diet! Avoid sweet foods and drinks especially between meals. And please don't smoke. Smoking can promote serious dental problems like gum disease and oral cancer.
Check your gums.
Check regularly for these signs of gum disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss: red, puffy, or tender gums; gums that bleed even slightly when you brush or floss; persistent bad breath. See your dentist if any occur.
Don't wait until it hurts.
See your dentist for preventive checkups and professional cleanings. Regular visits are the best way to prevent trouble and unnecessary expense.

9 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem. That's why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious.

Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus).

There are two main kinds of gum diseases: gingivitis and periodontitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may be slightly red, or you may notice nothing at all. In cases of more advanced gingivitis, your gums may become puffy and bleed during brushing. Periodontis is a more serious form of gum disease involving the bone that supports your teeth. Over time, as a result of the bone loss caused by periodontitis, you may be at risk of losing one or more teeth.

Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against gum disease. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours.

Using proper brushing and flossing techniques is equally important. Be sure to see Dr. Safari regularly for professional cleaning and checkups so that he can detect any early signs of gum disease and provide appropriate treatment.