Don't
Forget Your Smile
There's
increasing evidence that healthy teeth and gums could help keep
your heart healthy.
One
recent study suggests that serious gum disease may be a factor in
heart disease. That's probably because the bacteria found in dental
plaque that cause gum disease also seem to play a role in heart
disease, said researchers.
Also,
patients who saw their dentist at least once a year for routine
cleaning had a risk for stroke four times smaller than patients
who didn't see the dentist. The worse the condition of your mouth,
including receding gums and number of teeth affected by diseased
gums, the greater the risk for stroke.
Keeping
teeth healthy
- Brush twice
a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
Take your time and brush carefully along the gum line. Also brush
your tongue.
- Use dental
floss, waxed or unwaxed daily. Curve it in a C-shape around each
tooth.
- Your dentist
may recommend an antibacterial mouth rinse daily.
- Eat a balanced
diet.
- Get a dental
checkup every six months.
- If you have
diabetes, you may be at greater risk of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Keeping your diabetes in check will help lower that risk.
Smile
resources...
National
Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
301-402-7364
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OrderPublications/default.aspx
American
Dental Association
800-402-7364
www.ada.org
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