Healthy Teeth Equals Healthy Heart

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Your oral health can play a significant part in the overall health of your body and, in particular, your heart health. 

A number of studies indicate that poor dental hygiene can be associated with a number of health conditions. 

The link between poor dental hygiene and heart disease has been confirmed a number of times. Family dentists can help to ensure your overall health through good dental hygiene. 

If you want to maintain a healthy heart throughout your life, commit to daily dental care and seeing your dentist regularly.

Bacteria and Your Heart Health

Studies suggest that bacteria from the mouth can move into the bloodstream and cause changes in C-reactive protein, a marker associated with inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. 

Evidence indicates that this bacterium is linked to endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart muscle, and other health problems. Rigorous dental hygiene can help to reduce the amount of bacteria that enters the bloodstream to prevent these health issues.

Gum Disease and Your Heart

The neglect of dental hygiene often lead to periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease. Some studies indicate that missing teeth and gum disease are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and clogged arteries in the legs. Taking care of your teeth daily can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and associated health problems.

Healthy Eating

Bacteria are not the only enemy of heart health. Eating a healthy diet is a critical factor in keeping your heart healthy. Unfortunately; loose or missing teeth can interfere with eating, and this, in turn, can affect your nutrition and your overall health. 

Cosmetic dentists can help to restore teeth, so that you can eat foods that improve your health, in addition to improving your appearance. Nutrition experts recommend eating the following foods to maintain heart health:

• Low-fat protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.
• Low-fat dairy products, such as fat-free milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses
• Legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas
• Increased amounts of vegetables of all kinds
• Increased amounts of fruit, fresh or canned in juice or water
• Nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, and soybeans.
• Reduced salt soups and prepared foods.
• Heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
• Margarine that is trans-fat-free or cholesterol-lowering.
• Whole-grain breads, pasta and quinoa.

Maintaining Oral Health For General Health

Experts recommend a number of actions to ensure that your good oral hygiene contributes to the health of your heart, including:

• Daily tooth brushing, at least twice each day
• Floss your teeth every day
• Ensure that your diet includes heart healthy foods and avoid in-between snacks.
• Replace toothbrushes every three months
• Get regular dental checkups
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis

Keeping your heart healthy does not happen by accident; it is accomplished by active steps that reduce risks and increase overall health. Talk to your dentist about ways to keep your heart healthy and strong through good dental hygiene.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Shumway Dental Care

3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286

(480) 659-7800

shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com 

Simple Pointers on Using a Mouth Rinse

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Oral health is crucial to a healthy and happy life. There are many times that people could have made a phenomenal first impression but failed, and all because of a smile that is unworthy of their great personality and talent.

However, this can be fixed, and simply; so, by rinsing with an antiseptic regularly. While it is true that some have let their oral health decline to the point that their family dentists are referring them to cosmetic dentists, most can forgo this step if they follow these simple tips:

For Adults

Healthy adults need to remember that rinsing in the evening is crucial, and especially after a meal that leaves food in one's teeth, such as corn. Corn breaks down into sugar, and sugar will lead to tooth decay. By getting to it early, one's teeth and gums will remain strong.

Also, let us not forget that a good oral rinse (or gargle) is important for fresh breath. For those who are single (and for those who want to keep the romance in their committed relationships) stinky breath is a major turn-off.

In fact, it is such a big deal that several films cannot help but advocate for adults - particularly men - to maintain this habit. One such flick is the upcoming title "The Red Canoe," starring Garett Metcalf, a romantic-comedy-drama about a young man who inherits his father's handmade canoe, and so much more!

For Kids

Kids can follow the same rules as adults when it comes to their hygiene, but it is important to make sure they use lower strength of a stringent mouthwash. For one, the classic Listerine will not only run the risk of turning them off from ever wanting to use it ever again, it can also be too harsh for their mouths and stomachs.

Just like regular flossing and brushing, a good rinse should be part of a child's daily routine. One proponent of this is New York City businessman, David Katz. Mr. Katz noticed while studying for his undergraduate degree that many of his classmates had not adopted this simple habit, resulting in their breath being the equivalent of a City Sewer line. The result was that a disproportionate number of them had already had a root canal. Prior to this, he thought that only the elderly underwent such procedures.

For Diabetics

Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease. Because of this, they must be extra diligent. Just as they need to avoid sugar for the good of their overall health, they must also realize that their healthy habits need to extend to what many consider to be a personal hygiene matter.

Naturally, diabetics also want fresh breath and a great smile, but this goes beyond vanity, because poor oral health has a correlational effect on one's coronary, circulatory, and other systems.

The key takeaways are as follows: everyone has different needs, but everyone should be taking their oral health seriously. The approach changes with age and other factors, but the need remains throughout for good daily habits.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://mychandlerdentists.com/.