- In fact, a study of almost 42,000 American adults over the age of 40 found that heart disease was present in 4.7 percent of those with no tooth loss, 5.7 percent of those with one to five teeth missing, 7.5 percent of those with six to 31 teeth missing, and 8.5 percent of those with total tooth loss.
1. People need education about the fact that their oral health is linked to their overall body health, especially heart and vessel health.
2. Research has found that people with periodontal disease are TWICE as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
3. Bacteria from gum disease in the mouth can travel from the mouth into the blood stream which attaches to fatty plaques in the heart vessels and contributes to clots forming and can lead to heart attacks.
4. Chronic inflammation in the gums produces inflammation in the body vessels which increases the plaques to build up in the arteries that leads to heart attacks.
Ways to lessen the risk of heart disease
1. Get a dental cleaning at least twice a year.
2. Brushing at minimum two times a day with an electric brush is best. Clinicals have show it to reduce gum inflammation and plaque.
3. Floss daily. The small particles left in the gum tissue is the major culprit for gum disease and tooth loss.
4. Don't smoke. It contributes to periodontal disease and to heart attacks.
5.Dry Mouth should be addressed. Reduced saliva flow can cause plaque to build up easier and disrupt the normal balance of bacteria.
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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