Don't forget to floss!

Hey Richland,

The Wear Red project is well under way, so remember to check back for the pictures of several more local businesses wearing red!

By request, today I'll fill you in on the importance of oral care to your heart health.

What? I thought this was a HEART health blog?

First, a story: I didn't give oral care a second thought when planning this project until my roommate Ellen brought it to my attention. Then I remembered one time when I brought one of our cats (yes, we had 6 of them- and they weren't barn cats!) for a rabies vaccination and the vet was super concerned about getting the cats teeth cleaned, and mentioned something about dental problems affecting other organ systems. I just thought he was crazy. Apparently not, read on...

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, there are several risk factors that are similar for cardiovascular disease and for periodontitis, a.k.a. gingivitis (which is an inflammatory disease of the gums and tissues holding your teeth in place- it can lead to loosening and loss of teeth if left untreated). Cardiovascular disease and periodontitis are both more likely to occur in people who

• are older
• smoke
• are stressed, among other similar factors. 

Atherosclerosis is more common in patients with gingivitis. Dental health was typically worse in patients who had already had a heart attack, and there is a higher incidence of stroke in patients with gingivitis. People with periodontitis have a 25% higher risk of having coronary artery disease.

Okay so after all of that, let's get in to why this happens:
Researchers believe that these two diseases are related by the mechanism through which they occur. This could be one of two things:
1. Bacteria from the gum disease may enter the blood stream and contribute to damage to the heart and arteries.
2. Inflammation in the gums causes your body to send little substances out to fight the inflammation. These little substances are sent out in large amounts, and may also attack the arteries, considering that most of these substances travel to their destination via the blood stream.

So what does this all mean for you?

The article recommends several preventative measures to take before your dental exams if you've got any kind of significant cardiovascular disease, and I'd say even if you're at risk (because remember, cardiovascular disease is a silent killer- you might not even know you have it!):

• Make your dental appointments in the morning when you are well-rested
• Make sure that if your dentist gives you Novicane, you really can't feel the poking and prodding anymore. No tough guy acts- this is about reducing stress in order to save your heart!
• Make sure that if you've had dental work, you are equipped with the right pain killers to fight the pain. This doesn't necessarily mean getting Vicodin, but taking some Tylenol when you're hurting.

 What else can you do? Prevent, prevent, prevent! Here are some basic tips (that your mom probably already told you, but lets take a refresher):

• Watch your diet: everyone knows sugary foods cause cavities, so if you're eating a lot of sugars, like fruits and juices, be sure to brush afterward. 
• Quit smoking and chewing!: this well not only help your gums, but will help you avoid cardiovascular disease.
• Get your regular dental exam: this is the best way to catch gum diseases early!
• Create a 3-step program: Brush, floss, mouthwash.

Brushing:
Use a soft-bristled brush that fits your teeth- I've got tiny teeth, so I can't handle a big toothbrush, but if you've got significant choppers like my brother, pick a fairly wide brush.
Make sure you brush the inside, outside, and edges of your teeth.
Brush your tongue! This is like a hotel for bad bacteria!

Flossing: your lesson for the day, because I'm sure we all need one.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger.
• Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and gently guide and rub it back and forth between the teeth.
• When it reaches the gum line, the floss should be curved around each tooth and slid gently back and forth against the gum.
• Finally, rub gently up and down against the tooth. Repeat with each tooth, including the outside of the back teeth.

Mouthwash: Choose an antimicrobial mouthwash like Listerine, which is proven to reduce tooth plaque and gingivitis if used for just 30 seconds a day. Fight through the burn!


So the moral of the story here? Your heart health is affected by more than just your diet and exercise. Care for your whole self and help prevent cardiovascular diseases from developing.

From my heart to yours,
Red in Richland County