Tag: oral health

The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Wellness

February 11, 2025

“Physicians rarely ask about the health of your mouth, yet the same blood that goes through any dental infection like gum disease, picks up bacteria and transfers them throughout the entire body, from the heart to the brain. It’s time to connect the dots between the mouth and the rest of the body and include the mouth when evaluating a persons illness. Many times the source of the disease is literally right under your nose!” Charles Reinertsen, DDS

Simple Ways to Care for Your Heart as You Age

September 24, 2024

Take Preventive Measures To Care For Your Heart

As we age our goal is to take care of the health we have. Neglecting health leads to problems that may become serious in nature.

The human heart circulates about 2,000 gallons of your blood every day and even more during physical activity. The heart beats around 100,000 times per day continuously pumping blood throughout a network of blood vessels known as the circulatory system.

Indeed your heart works very hard to keep you going. There are two things you can do to keep it in good working condition. They won’t take up much time.

Practice Good Dental Care

See your dentist for regular dental cleanings. Floss, brush and use a mouthwash after meals. These preventive measures may reduce the risk of heart problems.

Poor dental health is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The build up of dental plaque around the teeth, if not regularly removed by dental cleanings, can lead to gum disease. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Start A Walking Program To Exercise Your Heart

Walking is the most accessible form of exercise for many people. The only equipment you need is a good pair of sneakers designed for walking.

Locate a place to walk that suits your fitness level. If you’re a beginner chose flat terrain. Begin slowly going out 2 to 3 days per week for 10 to 20 minutes or to tolerance.

Older adults should get physician clearance before starting an exercise program. Your doctor will guide you about recommendations or restrictions to your program.

Read more about Gum Disease and Heart Disease: The Common Thread from Harvard Health Publishing

Hang Onto Your Teeth

April 5, 2013

PREVENTING TOOTH LOSS

Being fit includes taking care of your teeth.  If you don’t, it may affect your overall health, and you might wind up losing your teeth.

When you lose teeth, they have to be replaced with artificial prostheses such as dental implants, or bridges, unless you don’t mind not being able to chew your food. Dental prostheses are very expensive.  Preventive care saves money by avoiding tooth loss.

Practicing preventive care starts at home with brushing and flossing, and goes a long way to saving your teeth, and your overall health.  Brushing and flossing are equally important.

Floss after you eat to remove food particles between your teeth.  The longer you wait, the more bacteria will grow between your teeth. The bacteria forms plaque.  Plaque hardens and eventually forms tartar.  Tartar has to be removed by a dental hygienist using dental tools to do a thorough job.  If tartar isn’t removed you’ll wind up with gum disease.  Gum disease leads to tooth loss.

POOR ORAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Poor oral health can cause serious illness, such as endocarditis (infection inside the heart valve), premature birth and low birth weight, diabetes, hiv/aids, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and stroke.

ARTICLES ON DENTAL HEALTH

Mayo Clinic: Oral health – A Window To Your Overall Health.

ABC News: Man Dies From Toothache – Couldn’t Afford Meds.

JADA: Poor Oral Health Linked With Coronary Heart Disease.

CDC: Preventing Cavities, Gum Disease, Tooth Loss, and Oral Cancers.

New York Times: Paying For Dental Implants.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training