| Raise your hand if you received a reminder card from your dentist and tossed it in the recycling bin. Now use that hand to grab the phone and call for an appointment! New research underscores the links between your oral health and your overall health, and calls attention to the importance of seeing your dental professional every six months. Multiple studies indicate a link between periodontal disease and heart disease — and, on the “good news” front, treating periodontal disease has been shown to lower your risk of heart attack. Now a new study sheds light on how the presence of Streptococcus mutans, a cavity-causing bacteria, may increase your risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Professional cleanings can reduce not only bacteria but also harmful inflammation, which may also contribute to heart disease. Brush and floss daily, and see your dental pro twice a year for cleaning and evaluation. If you find yourself slacking, remind yourself that, when it comes your health, everything is connected, so that good health anywhere in the body improves the likelihood of good health everywhere.
Sources: The Link between Oral and General Health, Oral Health and Brain Injury: Causal or Casual Relation? |
