Eight Benefits of Tooth Brushing – That Have Nothing To Do With Your Teeth!!

We are all aware that brushing your teeth on a regular basis prevents cavities and keeps you smiling. But there are many other surprising benefits, including these eight that don’t have to do with your teeth!

 

1.     According to a study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, participants who did not brush on a regular basis had a 65 percent greater chance of developing dementia compared to those who did brush. So don’t forget to brush!!

2.     A study in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular brushing decreases the chance of stroke! Wow - two very serious diseases can be curtailed with good oral hygiene. And the list goes on…..

3.     As any dentist, hygienist or physician can tell you, regular brushing (and flossing) helps to prevent gum disease. But you may not know that along with causing stinky breath and unattractive smiles, gum disease is a major indicator of heart disease and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

4.     A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that increased brushing decreases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD. Why? Bacteria which form on the teeth make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract, wreaking havoc along the way.

5.     Dental researcher Dr. Caitia Gazola has shown that having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of having healthy babies, while dental disease can cause underweight pre-term babies. And men – you aren’t off the hook! We strongly suspect that not brushing your teeth regularly can exclude you from the whole pregnancy process!

6.     Prevention magazine has reported that regular brushing can help you maintain a healthy weight! Why? Brushing your teeth indicates to your brain that mealtime is over. Plus – food just doesn’t taste as good with squeaky clean teeth!

7.     Okay guys – here’s your turn. Several studies have shown that men with poor oral hygiene are at greater risk for erectile dysfunction. Scared yet???

8.     Have a heart – a healthy one that is! The American Journal of Medicine has linked dental health with heart attack risk.

So if clean teeth, fresh breath, a beautiful smile and fewer cavities aren’t enough, here are eight reasons why brushing your teeth on a regular basis can save your life! Plus let’s face it – going around with a big piece of tomato stuck between your chompers in not the most attractive look in the world!

Just as important as brushing your teeth is doing it correctly. And if you are not getting regular dental cleanings, your efforts aren’t nearly as effective.

At DeLand Smiles, we care about your dental health and your medical health too!! If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please call us right away at (386) 736-7121. We are here to help you!!

A Heart to Heart

 

This time of year, many people are giving their hearts to someone else—no, there’s not an organ donor convention in town, but the symbolism of unconditional love is in the air.  Emotions are heightened with each chocolate savored, each flower received & each jewelry box opened.  We prepare our hearts for one day out of the year, but is our heart ready for the other 364 days?

Relationships aside, the heart is a pretty amazing organ.  It sustains our life, all while keeping constant rhythm.  To many, this is taken for granted and goes unnoticed, but to those with heart disease or a heart defect, they are fully aware of its lifeline of importance.

This week honors many holidays that revolve around the heart… Valentine’s Day, Women’s Heart Day, World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day & Have a Heart Day—this one is of particular importance because it focuses on being more aware of your food choices. 

We know that heart disease claims more lives than most--On average, one American dies of heart disease every 35 seconds!  So, let’s consider 5 heart-healthy tips you can implement immediately to decrease your risk of heart disease & ensure your heart is ready for another year.

Tip #1:  Floss Daily – The bacterial that causes plaque in your heart arteries is the same bacteria that causes plaque around your teeth.  Flossing breaks up the bacterial colonies so they don’t multiply as fast & helps to decrease the inflammation in both your gums & your heart. 

Tip #2:  See Your Dentist – Regular dental visits (at least twice a year) provide you with an ability to catch things early.  The visits not only include cleanings that use special instruments to decrease bacteria, but exams for oral cancer, and screenings for both tooth & gum health-- to help prevent tooth loss.  (Studies have shown that people who keep their teeth live an average of 7-10yrs longer).

Tip #3:  Create Good Eating Habits – “You are what you eat” truly applies.  If you eat foods that are mostly healthy, then you will be mostly healthy…and this rule applies to anything you consume.  (And No, if you eat a lot of sugar, it doesn’t make you sweeter!)  Talk to your doctor about revising your eating habits and create a plan that best suites you.

Tip #4:  Exercise – Organs are muscles, and the heart is no exception.  Like muscles, the only way it becomes stronger is via exercise.  Remember - everything in moderation and nothing without consulting your doctor first.  If a sports activity is of interest, consult your dental provider to see what type of mouthguard would be best.  Mouthguards not only protect teeth from injury, but can now be made to improve your strength & performance as well.

Tip #5:  Rest – For our organs to grow & function properly, we must obtain an adequate amount of rest.  For most, this amount is quantified as ~8hrs each day (ideally at night).  Rest should not only come in a physical form, but emotional & spiritual as well.  To renew ourselves as a whole, it is recommended we sleep for our physical well-being, relax for our emotional well-being & renew our spirit with a meditational, motivational, or devotional activity. 

So don’t wait …implement the 5 heart-healthy tips above and let the next 364 days be a journey of love…for yourself..