Oral health translates to heart health. A study of more than 100,000 people showed that people who had their teeth professionally cleaned lowered their risk of heart attack by 24 percent and their risk of stroke by 13 percent compared with those who never had a dental cleaning. So if you can’t remember the last time you had a dentist appointment, it’s time to make one! And just because you do go to the dentist twice a year doesn’t mean you’re off the hook just yet! It’s just as important to take care of your teeth between visits by flossing, brushing, and watching what you eat and drink.
Less than half of Americans floss daily, and 10% never floss. Unfortunately, dentists say flossing is even more important than brushing when it comes to preventing gum disease and tooth loss! Plaque is what causes tooth decay and gum disease, and the only way to effectively remove plaque between teeth is by flossing. Dentists say the number 2 excuse people give for not flossing is that they don’t know how. So, here’s how! From the American Dental Association:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, the rest around the other middle finger.
- Grasp the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, and use a gentle shoeshine motion to guide it between teeth.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, form a C shape to follow the contours of the tooth.
- Hold the floss firmly against the tooth, and move the floss gently up and down.
- Repeat with the other tooth, and then repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth (“unspooling” fresh sections of floss as you go along).
Make sure you brush your teeth for who full minutes at least twice a day, though three times is best. With too much time between brushings, bacterial plaque will build up with can increase the risk of gum inflammatin and other problems. Be careful not to brush too hard, which can actually damage enamel, and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
You also want to watch what you eat, and perhaps more importantly, what you drink. The acids found in sodas, juices, and other drinks can be very harmful to tooth enamel. Some are more corrosive than battery acid. Over time these acids can cause erosion, shrinking the size of the tooth. Yikes!
Remember, it’s not all about having a pearly white smile. When you don’t take care of your teeth, it translates to other aspects of your health, including heart health. Make brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist part of your regular routine.
