Dental Hygiene May Save Your Heart
Go figure. If bad breath wasn’t bad enough, its now linked to heart disease. If you’ve noticed lately, one of the questions your doctor asks during your physical is if you see your dentist regularly. Here’s why.
It all comes down to those anaerobic bacteria. Yes, those are the guys that create bad breath, but it even gets worse. These bacteria produce sulfur proteins and help produce swollen and bleeding gums. These sulfur proteins are divided in groups and the one we’re concerned about is called Thios.
This Thios group attracts other bacteria. It has a lot to choose from since we have over 100 species of bacteria in our mouth at any one time. This new bacteria excretes additional toxins into the gums. So if you already have swollen or bleeding gums these bacterial toxins may get into your blood stream. Once in your blood stream they can find their way to your brain leading to stokes or to your heart, leading to heart attacks. I know at this point you think I’m crazy, but check this out.
Who would have ever thought bad breath could cause heart disease? Apparently some guys in England thought about it because research in England has proven that coronary heart disease is less likely if you have a healthy mouth. U.S. studies have backed up the English research and agree that a healthy mouth is as important as stopping smoking or watching your cholesterol when it comes to heart disease.
As you can see oral hygiene is very important as you get older. Don’t take any chances and use an oxygenating toothpaste and mouth wash like the great Therabreath products and practice good daily dental hygiene.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi there … A really interesting post. I had heard about this before, but I did not if it was true. What you say makes sense.
As a point of interest, I wonder if there is any connection between obesity and bad breath. I know several people in this category and it would seem to me that they could be prime suspects for heart conditions. Not only because of higher blood pressure, but also the danger from the toxins that you mention.
The obvious answer here is oral hygiene, but what about the foods we eat? Surely this has something to do with it also?
I am very concerned about having a good diet.
I look forward to your further posts on this subject and I’ll follow them with interest.
Matt
Yes, Bad breath can be affected by many different factors including what you eat, dry mouth, smoking and not brushing/flossing correctly. It can also be a sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes or gastrointestinal disturbance, heart disorders and liver or kidney ailment.
Interesting information (and a great headline).
I had never considered that all the bad junk in your mouth could cause so much damage. Makes me glad that I go for a regular check-up at the dentist.
And I think I’ll spend a little more time brushing my teeth now. I’m thinking that popping in a breath mint won’t do the trick.
Steve DeVane