When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Is gum bleeding a problem for you? Many people don’t know that there is a suspected link between gun disease and heart health. According to recent research, there appears to be mounting evidence that periodontal health may act as a leading indicator to other diseases, including heart health. The theory goes that the presence of periodontal disease sets up inflammation, which may then increase the risk of heart disease. There has been much evidence in recent years to suggest that general inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease.
As a matter of course, I believe most people pay less attention to dental health than other aspects of health, so it should be worth taking a moment to remind ourselves of the recommendations for maintaining good gum health.
Brush Twice Daily
The usual mantra is “brush daily,” but the American Dental Association actually recommends you brush twice each day with an ADA approved toothpaste. If you take the recommendation a bit further, choose soft bristled toothbrushes, particularly if you have tender gums. Stiff bristles coupled with 
harsh scrubbing can actually damage tender gums. Store your toothbrush upright and allow it to air-dry between uses to reduce bacterial growth. And replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months. If you have braces (like I did), consider brushing after every meal.
Floss Daily
This is probably the one that gets the most overlooked, yet I’ve read some suggestions that indicate we would be better off to forego brushing in favor of flossing. It’s not hard to do, yet for some reason, we tend to forget about flossing. You can buy rolls of floss for less than a few dollars, and it will last you for months. If you struggle to handle floss, try the plastic picks with pre-attached floss. All it takes is two minutes each day to complete an activity that is your most effective preventative treatment for gum disease.
Use Rinses
Does anyone remember being a kid and having to do fluoride rinses at school? The school nurse came around with the little cups of fluoride and the entire class would rinse, then spit? With the introduction of fluoride to municipal water supplies, they’ve stopped that practice in schools, yet ADA-accepted mouth rinses have been proven to promote periodontal health. Antibacterial rinses reduce bacteria responsible for gingivitis, whereas fluoride rinses reduce and prevent tooth decay. Be certain to read recommendations for these products, as children under the age of six are not suggested to take fluoride rinses.
Eat Right
Not usually associated with dental health, the mantra still applies. Eating a good balanced diet provides proper nutrition for dental health. Reducing your consumption of sweets also limits the sugar that is left on your teeth. (I really don’t like those gummy-bear vitamins they make for kids…) The same goes for between meal snacks. So, you see — what’s good for your teeth is also good for your waistline! A double whammy.
So, I’ll ask again. When was the last time you visited your dentist? It’s been too long for me. I need to make that call.
