Dental Health and Heart Disease "An Important Couple"

February is here bringing us two important issues this month, Dental Health and Heart Disease.  As everyone gets ready for Valentine's Day by making plans for a special "date night", they are forgetting the most important couple their; teeth and heart.  Your teeth and heart go together like Mickey and Minne Mouse, Brad and Angelina, Babe Ruth and Baseball, Wayne Gretzky and Hockey, Luke Skywalker and Dark Vador... Ok I think I made my point.  Researchers have found a surprising number of links between the state of your mouth and the state of your heart.  In fact, we now know that people who develop gum disease (either gingivitis, a milder form that results in inflammation and infection of the gums, or periodontitis, which develops when the inflammation and infection spread below the gum line) are at nearly twice the risk for heart disease.  Proper oral hygiene is a necessity to allow the body to work at its best performance.  Patients tend to  over think  their oral hygiene routine and make it more stressful.   Life in general is stressful enough; let’s not make brushing and flossing one of them.  Going back to basics is where to begin.  Here are some simple steps that will fit in your busy schedules:

1. Brush - Twice a day, use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Wait 30-45 minutes after you eat or drink, so the acids in your mouth drop to normal levels. Brush after breakfast, and again before bed – after you’re done eating and drinking for the day.

2. Floss - Once a day, use dental floss to clean the tight spaces between your teeth. Floss before you brush – that way the fluoride in your toothpaste can coat more of the surface of each tooth. Choose a time of day when you aren’t rushed, so you can take your time and clean each tooth carefully.

3. Rinse - Talk with your dentist about what kind of mouthwash you should use, and how often. Some kill bacteria, some contain fluoride, and some do both. After you use mouthwash, don’t eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes.

4. Chew gum -After you eat, pop in a piece of sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol kills the bacteria that cause cavities, and gum in general makes more saliva in your mouth, which helps to bring down acid levels. Chew gum for about 20 minutes after you eat.

5. Rinse again -If you’re out and don’t have gum or a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water to loosen food particles from between your teeth, and reduce the acids in your mouth.

Easy huh?!?!

Start Today!  Rekindle the passion with brushing and flossing.  Make your oral hygiene habits simple, consistent and fun.  Let your heart shine through your smile and your heart will thank you.

 

Manente Orthodontics is the right choice for your invisalign treatment

Health Benefits of Straight Teeth


You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall dental health.¹ Think about it — a smile can hardly be perfect if it's not a healthy one. Fortunately, with Invisalign^®, having a confident smile and reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease go hand in hand.

HEALTHIER TEETH AND GUMS

Swollen, red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Unfortunately, these are also signs of periodontal disease. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. That’s where Invisalign comes in. The comfortable and clear aligners gently and gradually begin to move your teeth into the proper position — without unsightly brackets and wires.

EASIER CLEANING

One of the biggest challenges of having braces is removing all the food that gets trapped in the brackets and wires. This can often lead to plaque buildup and eventually tooth decay. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do.

OVERALL HEALTH

Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile—say a lot about your overall health. If you're taking good care of both, you're probably taking good care of the rest of you.
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss. Studies by the American Dental Association have shown that oral infections can also lead to other more serious ailments such as heart disease,  stroke, pneumonia  and diabetes. Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, thus reducing the risk of possible problems. And correctly aligned teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. Invisalign effectively addresses all of these orthodontic issues, so you'll have the confidence of a great smile and increase the likelihood of improved oral health.