Happy Teeth, Healthy Heart
Lissa Coffey
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States and Europe. A new study suggests that we may be able to reduce our chance of getting heart disease by practicing good oral hygiene. There is definitely a relationship between heart health and tooth brushing. Simply by brushing your teeth you are helping yourself to have a healthier heart. British researchers have found that people who do not brush their teeth twice a day have as much as a 70% extra risk of heart disease. The main factors for heart disease are smoking and a poor diet. But after that, regular tooth brushing (at least twice a day) is also a factor, and a simple measure to take to help maintain a healthy heart. Twice daily brushing also reduces the risk of gum or periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Researchers recommend good oral hygiene by seeing a dentist every six months, and using products like tongue scrapers (prominent in Ayurveda), mouth wash, and water picks.
Waterpik Handheld Cordless Dental Water Jet