Have a heart, keep brushing your teeth!

Parents have been
telling their children to brush their teeth since the beginning of time
(perhaps a slight exaggeration). Based on recent evidence linking excellent gum
tissue health to a reduction in atherosclerosis—a major contributor to coronary
disease–a new trend may be children reminding their parents to brush better
and more frequently.

Artherosclerosis
is the thickening of arteries through the accretion of calcium, cholesterol and
other substances found in the bloodstream. This condition has been linked to
fatal cardiovascular complications like coronary heart disease and peripheral
arterial disease. According to the findings from researchers from the Columbia
University’s Mailman School of Public Health, flossing, brushing and regular
trips to the dentist can slow the rate of atherosclerosis.

When people are
trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the first things they talk about are eating
right and exercise. This report makes a strong case that improving your oral
hygiene should be part of the healthier living package. Considering what’s a
stake, you can’t argue.

According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease
is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 600,000
people each year. That accounts for one-fourth of all recorded fatalities. On
average, deaths and illnesses associated with coronary heart disease cost the
U.S $109 billion annually.

Part of what
makes the results of this study so important is that it shows people a way to
improve their heart health that’s really affordable. For merely the cost of
brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, flossing daily,
and visiting your dentist at his recommended interval (which can vary depending
on each patient needs) can protect you from the devastating results of heart
disease.

For complete
results of the survey, you can see the entire report on the American Heart
Association’s website at http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/2/6/e000254.abstract