Category — cardiovascular disease

More than 30 million denture wearers in the United States didn’t see a dental professional in time to save their teeth: 75% of new patients don’t know they have gum disease until they are diagnosed.

Don’t ignore the warning signs of gum disease:

1. Red, swollen or tender gums.
2. Gums that bleed when you brush (pink in the sink).
3. Recurring bad breath. [Read more →]

You can lessen the risk of heart attacks and periodontal disease by flossing your teeth correctly.

Sally Cram, D.D.S. a periodontist in Washington, D.C. and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association says,

“After brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush, hold the brush against your gums at a 45-degree angle and lightly massage with short, circular strokes. For the best protection, go the full two minutes; most people brush for fewer than 30 seconds. Mouthwash isn’t necessary, but if you like to use it, look for products that contain menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol.”

And you thought you knew how to floss. Learn more at http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/9_Secrets_Better_Health.html

What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and you should know that people with periodontal disease are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. The two conditions are related.

Studies by the American Academy of Periodontology, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that people with adult periodontitis may have an increased risk of having a fatal heart attack. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease caused by bacteria from the mouth increasing clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.

The American Heart Association reports that high levels of C-reactive proteins increase heart attack risks by two (2) to five (5) times. [Read more →]