Your Mouth and Heart – The Ties that Bind
February 25th, 2010 . by adminDon’t be surprised if your cardiologist suddenly tells you that you need to rethink your oral hygiene. The next time you go for a routine check up, your doctor may advise you to brush and floss more efficiently.
Why?It has been found in several studies that flossing may have an effect on the health of your heart. Atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart diseases can be influenced by a certain protein that causes inflammation, experts say.
This particular protein, or CRP, is found to be high in people who are at risk of heart diseases. The question is where this inflammation comes from.One of the sources of this inflammation, according to some research studies by Italian and British scientists, is infected gums. To come up with the conclusions, scientists examined the arteries of a certain group of people with mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease. The condition of their arteries were examined before and after they receive treatment.
A year after the treatment, scientists discovered that the oral bacteria, as well as the immune inflammation and thickening of the blood vessels are significantly reduced.
So if you are concerned with the health of your heart, keeping cholesterol levels down by ruglar exercise and a healthy diet is not enough. You also need to make sure you clean your teeth, tongue, and gums properly.
How do you do that? Spanish Fork dentists can help you.
