Did You Know Brushing Your Teeth Can Reduce Your Chances of A Heart Attack?
DID YOU KNOW BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY CAN REDUCE YOUR LIKELHOOD OF A HEART ATTACK BY 70%?
In a recent study done by scientists from University College London, data was analyzed from 11,000 people with an average age of 50 who took part in the Scottish Health Survey. Interesting findings correlated oral hygiene with heart attacks regardless of other health factors, such as obesity and smoking. As part of the medical history, participants were asked about their oral hygiene habits and findings showed those who rarely brushed their teeth, and those who brushed their teeth less than two times per day, were 70% more likely to experience a heart attack.
Although gum disease and tooth infections have previously been shown to increase the propensity for heart disease, this is the first study that correlated tooth brushing habits with heart disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of seven hundred types of bacteria in the mouth that can then be spread to other internal organs and through the bloodstream. Bacteria entering a person’s bloodstream cause an activation of the body’s immune system, thus making artery walls inflamed and narrowed. This blood born bacteria also attaches to fatty deposits already in the arteries, thus narrowing the arteries even more.
A spokesperson for the British Dental Association concurred with the findings from this study. Additionally, he said there were other research studies that showed correlation between poor oral hygiene and elevated incidences of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Here are some easy to follow suggestions for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth daily after every meal, and at least twice every day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Floss your teeth after every meal.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria, enhance digestion, and clean the salivary glands.
- Have regular dental examinations.
- Have your teeth cleaned every six months.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for teeth and gum care.
- Restrict sugary snacks.
Seek immediate dental attention if anything hurts or bleeds in your mouth.
