Mouth Matters

As we age, don’t overlook the importance of dental hygiene; your mouth matters. Periodontal disease and inflammation of the gums can increase a senior’s risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and respiratory ailments.

Periodontal (gum) disease is second only to the common cold, the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States. It affects 80% of us.  It can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and even dementia (precursor to Alzheimer’s Disease).

What can one do to prevent gum disease? It’s effortless: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, remember to rinse, and visit your dentist at least twice a year. These routine steps will save your life and your dental bills.

Why Floss?
Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns into plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss.  31% of Americans don’t floss every day.

“The best floss out there is the floss that gets used”  Thomas P. Connelly, D.D.S.

Flossing benefits more than oral health:
1.  Improves Immunity:  Did you know flossing can protect you from germs and infection – beyond the gum line?  It’s true; if excess bacteria accumulate on the teeth and gums, it can quickly travel through your throat or other body parts, such as the lungs, causing severe chronic asthma or pneumonia.  So, if you’re prone to upper respiratory infections like bronchitis, you best be vigilant with your oral health.

2.  Prevents Obesity:  Trying to shed a few pounds?  I bet you would never guess that flossing is better for you than crash dieting.  Studies link plaque (or periodontal gum disease) to higher body fat.  That means what you eat contributes to weight gain, particularly what remains on your teeth after eating.

3. Lower Risk of Stroke:  Medical researchers link oral health to heart health.  Why?  Because patients who suffer from tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to fall victim to a stroke.  So, flossing keeps your heart ticking and healthy.

4. Helps Manage Blood Sugar: If you are diabetic, you may have gum disease (or periodontitis). According to research from WebMD, patients with uncontrolled diabetes are susceptible to dental problems, particularly bleeding, sensitivity, and infections of the gums.

5.  Soothe Arthritis Pain:  If you suffer from joint pain and inflammation due to existing arthritis or joint troubles, flossing may help prevent further joint irritation and infection that can spread from inflamed gums to major joints via the bloodstream.  So, if you notice increased joint pain, try flossing to see if it soothes your arthritis symptoms.

6.  Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s:   As children, we heard that taking good care of your teeth when you were young would be beneficial in old age.  Well, that adage referred to more than keeping your pearly whites intact.  Studies now link tooth decay and tooth loss before the age of 35 to a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

This month, the Associated Press published an interesting report about the weak evidence of flossing.  However, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology agree that flossing helps.

Flossing is inexpensive and a relatively easy habit to adopt, with no risk. So, why not floss? The mouth matters, and simple oral health steps may prevent illnesses in many other areas of our body as we age.

Have a fabulous week,