Can Your Toothbrush Prevent a Heart Attack?
What Is the Link Between Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease?
Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease? Seems like a stretch. However, according to a recent study in Scotland, people with poor oral hygiene had a 70% increased risk of heart disease. The common denominator linking gum disease and heart disease is
chronic inflammation, which exists in both conditions. Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in plaque build-up in the arteries.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the bone (teeth) and the tissue (gums) that is in contact with the teeth. Poor oral hygiene allows the bacteria and inflammatory, toxic compounds to enter the bloodstream through the gums and wreak havoc on the vessels, which can lead to heart disease. Therefore, brushing your teeth often, among other things, can reduce inflammation, which reduces cardiovascular risks.
3 Things You Can Do to Support Oral Health and Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Avoid root canals
Simply put, root canals can seriously jeopardize your health. How? Root canals kill the tooth. This can create chronic inflammation caused by bacterial toxicity. Root canal teeth are often infected and loaded with bacteria that can enter the blood stream and affect your immune system and create overall toxicity in the body.
Manage Your Diet
Your diet can make or break your teeth, pardon the pun, and also has an effect on inflammation levels. These are some tips that will improve oral health and reduce chronic inflammation:
- Avoid Foods Containing Oxidized Cholesterol
- Avoid Sugar and Fructose
- Avoid Highly Processed Foods
- Avoid Foods Cooked at Extremely High Temperatures
- Avoid Foods with Trans Fats
Prevent Tooth Decay Naturally
There has been a strong body of evidence that supports the notion that fluoride is toxic to the body. Some potential health risks include:
- Risk to the Brain – According to the National Research Council (NRC), fluoride has adverse effects on the brain. Research conducted by the EPA has shown that fluoride has caused dementia in laboratory animals.
- Risk to Thyroid – According to the NRC, fluoride is an “endocrine disrupter” and that doses of fluoride easily achievable through drinking tap water can have adverse effects on the thyroid among certain people.
- Risk to Bones – Also according to the NRC, fluoride can reduce bone strength and density and increase risk of fracture. Additionally, a study conducted by Harvard scientists, linked fluoride to a very serious form of bone cancer.
- Risk to Kidneys – Research has suggested that individuals with kidney disease cannot excrete fluoride from the body and can develop fluoride toxicity.
Good oral health and healthy teeth can be achieved through a healthy diet and natural oral health care rather than by drinking fluorinated water and fluoride toothpaste. You may also want to investigate a well-rounded natural dentist or holistic dentist.
