Toothbrushing May Stave Off Heart WoesStudy finds link between lack of oral hygiene and cardiovascular disease

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_99302.html (*this news item will not be available after 08/26/2010)Friday, May 28, 2010

THURSDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- Here's another reason to brush your teeth regularly: People who don't perform this essential of oral hygiene seem to have a greater risk of heart disease compared to their more diligent peers.

"We were surprised to find a relationship between toothbrushing frequency and both cardiovascular disease and inflammatory markers in the blood," said Richard Watt, co-author of a study published this week in the BMJ.

"We have not established a causal relationship, however. More research is needed to test if improving patients' oral hygiene to reduce their gum inflammation has an effect on cardiovascular disease risk," added Watt, who is with the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London.

The findings do make sense, however, in light of previous studies that have found a relationship between gum disease and heart disease. Periodontal disease has been associated with a 19 percent increase in the risk of heart disease. That number leaps to 44 percent in people under the age of 65, according to the study.

The most likely culprit is the inflammation associated with gum disease, which can go system-wide and contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries.

The study authors surveyed almost 12,000 people living in Scotland who admitted to how often they brushed their teeth.

Over an average eight years of follow-up, people who "rarely or never brushed" their teeth had a 70 percent increased risk of a heart attack, stroke or other event, compared to those who set to the task twice a day.

The rarely/never brushers also had higher levels of C reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Overall, though, participants practiced good oral hygiene with almost two-thirds saying they went to the dentist every six months and almost three-quarters reporting brushing their teeth twice daily.

"We talk often about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, exercise and diet, and one of the things we can't forget about when it comes to self-maintenance is oral hygiene," said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a preventive cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. "It's one new thing. Don't smoke, eat right and brush your teeth."

"It's nice to have one more reason to brush your teeth," added Dr. Harmony R. Reynolds, associate director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine. "Over time, it reduces inflammation."

SOURCES: Richard Watt, Ph.D., department of epidemiology and public health, University College London; Suzanne Steinbaum, D.O., preventive cardiologist, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, and spokeswoman, American Heart Association; Harmony R. Reynolds, M.D., associate director, Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, and assistant professor of medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; May 28, 2010, BMJ

Link between dental disease and coronary heart disease

Several recent studies have shown a link between dental disease and coronary heart disease. The authors studied 320 U.S. veterans in a convenience sample to assess the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases among older people. They present cross-sectional data confirming that a statistically significant association exists between a diagnosis of coronary heart disease and certain oral health parameters, such as the number of missing teeth, plaque benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide test scores, salivary levels of Streptococcus sanguis and complaints of xerostomia. The oral parameters in these subjects were independent of and more strongly associated with coronary heart disease than were recognized risk factors, such as serum cholesterol levels, body mass index, diabetes and smoking status. However, because of the convenience sample studied, these findings cannot be generalized to other populations.

In 1989, Mattila and colleagues1 reported that poor dental health could be associated with both an acute myocardial infarction and a cerebral vascular accident.2 The investigators developed two measurements of dental disease, one based on radiographs of the teeth and jaws, called the pantomographic index, and the second, based on clinical examination findings, which they termed the Total Dental Index, or TDI.

In a subsequent seven-year prospective study, the TDI, the number of previous myocardial infarctions and, to a lesser extent, diabetes and the pantomographic index were associated with a risk of developing a new and often fatal myocardial infarction.3 Traditional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, total cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels, socioeconomic status, sex and age were not significant predictors of a coronary event when included in a model that contained the dental variables.

Other studies have generally confirmed this link between dental disease and coronary heart disease, or CHD. A prospective, cohort-designed study, involving data from 9,760 American men who were examined three times between 1971 and 1987, found a significant relationship between either periodontitis or edentulism and CHD, even after adjusting for 13 known risk factors.4 A study of 1,384 Finnish men, aged 45 to 64 years, showed that the number of missing teeth, along with hypertension, geographical area and educational level were independent explanatory factors for the presence of ischemic heart disease.5

In a longitudinal aging study of U.S. veterans, Beck and colleagues6 found a significant association between periodontal disease, as measured by the extent of alveolar bone loss, and CHD and stroke after adjusting for various cardiovascular risk factors. In a case-control study of hospitalized patients, people with acute cerebrovascular ischemia had a higher TDI than did age- and sex-matched controls.7

These associations indicate that there may be some type of linkage between dental disease and cardiovascular disease. Because dental caries and periodontal disease are chronic infections that are often asymptomatic, they could be the source of the increased levels of C-reactive protein that have been suggested as a predictor of myocardial infarction and stroke.8

Since 1990, we have been recording information for a large number of oral health variables in a group of elderly veterans to study the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases among older people.9 We present cross-sectional data confirming that a statistically significant association exists between a diagnosis of CHD and certain oral health parameters, such as the level of gingival bleeding; number of missing teeth; benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide, or BANA, test scores; and complaints of xerostomia.

I was unaware until very recently of the correlation between dental health and diseases of the cardiovascular system. There are even studies that place poor dental health ahead of smoking, high cholesterol levels, lack of exercise and obesity as a risk for cardiovascular disease.

Clearly, proper dental hygiene has taken on a significance that goes far beyond an attractive smile and fresh breath!

What constitutes good dental care? It begins before you ever see a dentist. Follow these practices daily:

Brush your teeth twice a day-in the morning and before bed-and floss once a day. This removes plaque.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps reduce cavities.

Avoid foods with high sugar content. Sugar grows plaque. Do not use tobacco products. They can cause gum disease or worse! Use a tongue cleaner. If you don't have one, use a soft bristled brush and clean from front

to back.

In addition to these daily activities, see your dentist on a regular basis for exams and cleanings.

I was interested in finding out which dental problems tied in with what cardiovascular disease, in other words, what the causes and effects were.

A comprehensive study was sponsored in the late 1980's, by the Finnish government, to determine health risks to the Finnish people. They measured many kinds of diseases and then did statistical correlations. Unexpectedly, the data showed a strong correlation between dental disease (specifically, periodontal disease) and stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Taking the study a step further by weighting the data for age, gender, diet etc. it was apparent that periodontal disease was the greatest risk factor for stroke, heart attack and premature death.

This study was later confirmed by studies undertaken in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Sweden and Germany.

The effects of periodontal disease are staggering. Studies showed that people with periodontal disease had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease by a factor of 2! Smokers, in comparison, only had a 60% increased risk.

Animal studies have demonstrated quite conclusively that in periodontal disease, bacteria enter the bloodstream and invade heart and vascular endothelial cells and produce vascular calcification (hardening of the arteries). Endothelial cells are a specialized type of epithelial cell which forms the inner layer of blood vessels.

I am absolutely stunned that these facts aren't getting more media attention. Why hasn't the American Dental Association made this correlation between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease better known to the public? It would be good for business, right? In this writer's opinion, the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association should be touring the world with these findings. My goodness, look at the paranoia around the world regarding smoking! Smoking is far less a factor in cardiovascular disease than gum disease, yet smoking is getting all the press.

Well, on the plus side, now you know! Tell your friends, family members and coworkers. This is important. Get the word out! This is BIG!

Winston P. McDonald enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells Cherokee scrubs and Baby Phat scrubs as well as a host of

additional products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Winston_P._McDonald

Dental care and heart disease aren't two things that you would think would be associated together. It seems as though the distance between these two topics is about a mile wide, however, the facts are in and we now must be on alert in order to avoid what could be devastating consequences.

Your dental hygiene can have an affect on your cardiovascular health if you have open sores or bleeding in your mouth that is there regularly and left untreated. This directly affects those individuals that have bleeding of the gums, better known as gingivitis.

Your mouth naturally produces a substance known as tarter. It is a white chalky substance that develops in our mouths naturally. This tarter can harden and turn into plaque if you don't use good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. However, there's simply no way to avoid some of this substance getting into your blood stream if you have an open wound in your mouth.

The same plaque that develops on your teeth over time can do the exact same thing in your arteries. Over time this can cause blockage of blood flow and eventually may result in a heart attack or stroke.

So what can you do to decrease the odds of this happening to you?

The first thing you must do is schedule an appointment with your dentist. Next, your dentist will likely sit you down and have this same discussion with you. He or she will explain the risks of not getting treated and exactly what treatment involves.

You'll need to get an in-depth oral examination, as well as x-rays so that the dentist can check the condition of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will likely want to do a thorough cleaning of your teeth to remove any plaque that has built up over time. This will also greatly reduce any bleeding of your gums and help them to heal.

You'll receive a follow up appointment so any other fillings, etc can be addressed.

Once you have your teeth and gums back in a state of good repair then you'll want to maintain good personal hygiene. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, avoiding sweets and following up with your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleaning.

Take care our toothbrushTo answer different dental problems, a wide array of toothpastes have been created. As an example, you can avail of toothpaste especially for kids or you can grab one that nips tartar build up in teeth. Fluoride eliminates cavities so make sure that the toothpaste that you buy contains this. When you do not know what formula to buy for yourself and your family, consult your dentist.

It is a must to pick the right toothbrush for your teeth. It is advised that one must get a toothbrush with right bristles along with the right shape and size so that brushing can really work wonders. Generally speaking, selecting a toothbrush that fits your hand comfortably and is easy to be handled is best.

Replace your toothbrush after using it for up to 3 or 4 months. A toothbrush with worn, split, uneven or toothpaste clogged bristles can't clean your teeth effectively and may even harm your gums. If you just came from a disease, replace your toothbrush immediately as this lessens the chance of getting infected again. Brushing often is as important as making sure that you brush properly everyday.

At a 45 angle to the gum line, hold the toothbrush firmly and then you can start scrubbing gently to and fro with nice short strokes that cover about one up to a couple teeth at a time. A through cleansing of all the surfaces of the teeth along with the inside, outside and ones used for chewing must be done. On a final note, be sure to brush your tongue so you can have fresh breath, too.

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from places your toothbrush can't reach. Give yourself an allowance of two inches before you work on it with it wrapped well secured around each hand's middle finger. It is a must to ease the floss gently under the gum line as well as the spaces between your teeth. As you move the floss away from the gums, scrape the sides of the tooth very gently.

Rinsed teeth are more protected teeth. Extra protection in hard to reach places such as in between teeth and round braces can be achieved with daily use of either a fluoride or tartar control rinse or both. Without doubt, the swishing action assists in eliminating trapped food pieces.

As people recuperating from periodontal surgery, small children and adults with receding gums are very much prone to cavities, they are advised to use fluoride rinse. A rinse for tartar control helps fight tartar build up in one's pearly whites. Bacteria in plaque is able to thrive due to tartar, the cement like substance around the teeth that also attracts stains.

Having not only healthy mouth and teeth but as well as body can be achieved when you eat right. One should not take in bread, cakes, cookies and other starchy and sweet stuff often. By keeping food stored in your mouth for a long time, the plaque is given more chance to produce more tooth enamel destroying acids. Try to limit the foods you suck such as candies, mints or cough drops.

It is better to take foods high in starch and sugar during mealtime rather than making it is a snack if you really have to consume these. Saliva production doubles up during meals to help neutralize acid production as well as clear food out of a person's mouth. There is a need to brush and floss after every meal. It is a good idea to chew some sugarless gum if you are not able to brush your teeth after a certain meal. Food residues can be cleared and acid is neutralized with chewing gum that stimulated saliva flo

Example research ( experiment)

Published 27 May 2010, doi:10.1136/bmj.c2451Cite this as: BMJ 2010;340:c2451

Research

Toothbrushing, inflammation, and risk of cardiovascular disease: results from Scottish Health Survey

Cesar de Oliveira, research fellow in epidemiology and public health, Richard Watt, professor and honorary consultant in dental public health, Mark Hamer, senior research fellow in epidemiology and public health

1 Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT

Correspondence to: R Watt r.watt@ucl.ac.uk

Abstract Objective To examine if self reported toothbrushing behaviour is associated with

cardiovascular disease and markers of inflammation (C reactive protein) and coagulation (fibrinogen).

Design National population based survey.

Setting Scottish Health Survey, which draws a nationally representative sample of the general population living in households in Scotland.

Participants 11 869 men and women, mean age 50 (SD 11).

Main outcome measures Oral hygiene assessed from self reported frequency of toothbrushing. Surveys were linked prospectively to clinical hospital records, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease events or death according to oral hygiene. The association between oral hygiene and inflammatory markers and coagulation was examined in a subsample of participants (n=4830) by using general linear models with adjustments.

Results There were a total of 555 cardiovascular disease events over an average of 8.1 (SD 3.4) years of follow-up, of which 170 were fatal. In about 74% (411) of cardiovascular disease events the principal diagnosis was coronary heart disease. Participants who reported poor oral hygiene

(never/rarely brushed their teeth) had an increased risk of a cardiovascular disease event (hazard

ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 2.3; P<0.001) in a fully adjusted model. They also had increased concentrations of both C reactive protein (β 0.04, 0.01 to 0.08) and fibrinogen (0.08, –0.01 to 0.18).

Conclusions Poor oral hygiene is associated with higher levels of risk of cardiovascular disease and low grade inflammation, though the causal nature of the association is yet to be determined.

Introduction Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing interest in the possible link

between dental disease, specifically periodontal disease, and cardiovascular disease.1 Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and markers of low grade inflammation have been consistently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.2 Consequently, contributing factors associated with inflammation and chronic infections, including oral infections such as periodontal disease, have been investigated to explain the relation between dental disease and cardiovascular disease.

Poor oral hygiene is the major cause of periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth. It is one of the most common chronic infections and is associated with a moderate systemic inflammatory response,3 such as raised concentrations of C reactive protein and other inflammatory biomarkers.4 5 6 7 Systemic inflammation could represent the underlying mechanism that links oral health and cardiovascular disease. Thus, oral infections might add to the inflammatory burden of the individual and result in increased levels of cardiovascular risk based on serum C reactive protein and fibrinogen concentrations as a consequence of the systemic inflammatory response subsequent to low grade chronic infections.8 C reactive protein and fibrinogen are sensitive markers used to evaluate the inflammatory status of an individual, and the results of prospective longitudinal studies indicate that these markers might be useful predictors for future cardiovascular events in various populations.9 10 Preliminary intervention trials showed a significant effect of treatment with systemic antibiotics in reducing systemic

inflammatory markers.11 12

Previous smaller epidemiological studies that have examined the association between oral health and cardiovascular disease have generally used clinical assessments to identify periodontal

disease. Such assessments might not be feasible in large scale population studies. Self reported measures of oral hygiene have been associated with clinically confirmed periodontal disease.13 The association between self reported oral hygiene behaviour and incident cardiovascular disease has not been previously examined in a large population study. We investigated whether a single item self reported measure of frequency of toothbrushing (as a proxy of periodontal disease) was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease events in a sample of adults from the Scottish Health Survey. In addition, we examined the association between frequency of toothbrushing and inflammatory markers (C reactive protein and fibrinogen) in a subset of participants.

Methods Study design and participants

The Scottish Health Survey is a cross sectional survey (typically every three to five years) that draws a nationally representative sample of the general population living in Scottish households.

For the present analysis we combined data from the 1995, 1998, and 2003 surveys in adults aged 35 and older as previously described elsewhere.14

Assessment of oral health behaviours and covariatesSurvey interviewers visited eligible households and collected data on demographics and health behaviours (such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health behaviour) and measured height

and weight. Physical activity interviews inquired about activity in the four weeks before the interview (1998 and 2003) or during a typical week (1995). Frequency of participation (for at least 20 minutes per occasion) was assessed across three domains of activity: leisure time sports (such as cycling, swimming, running, aerobics, dancing, and ball sports such as football and tennis); walking for any purpose; and domestic physical work (such as heavy housework, home improvement activities, manual and gardening work). The total physical activity frequency score was converted into sex specific thirds of weekly activity episodes. Oral health behaviour was assessed in all survey years from self reported frequency of visits to a dentist (at least once every six months, every one to two years, or rarely/never), and toothbrushing (brushing teeth twice a day, once a day, less than once a day). On a separate visit nurses collected information on medical history and family history of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and blood samples from consenting adults. The definition of hypertension was based on a self reported diagnosis from a doctor or a clinic blood pressure reading of >140/90 mm Hg. Diabetes was based on a doctor’s diagnosis. The covariables included in the present study were selected in a pre-specified

protocol because they are all well established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.15 16 Detailed information on the survey methods can be found elsewhere.17

Follow-up for clinical events The surveys were linked to a database of hospital admissions and deaths in patients with follow-up until December 2007 (Information Services Division (ISD), Edinburgh). The database has been shown to be 94% accurate and 99% complete when samples of computerised records for cardiovascular disease from the database were compared with the original case notes from patients.18 Information on deaths was ascertained from the general registrar office for Scotland. Classification of the underlying cause of death is based on information collected on cause of death from the medical certificate together with any additional information provided

subsequently by the certifying doctor.

Our primary end point was a composite of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease events. Mortality from cardiovascular causes was coded according to ICD-9 (international classification

of diseases, ninth revision) codes 390-459 and ICD-10 (10th revision) codes I01-I99, and non-fatal events included hospital admissions related to cardiovascular disease, incorporating acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, percutaneous coronary angioplasty, stroke, and heart failure.

Blood analysesIn a subsample of 4830 participants we collected peripheral blood samples in citrate and serum tubes for the assessment of C reactive protein and fibrinogen. This was optional, and several participants did not consent to having blood taken. Participants who did not consent to blood had poorer health risk profiles with higher body mass index (BMI) and a higher prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and smoking. All blood samples were frozen at –70°C until

assay. The analysis of C reactive protein concentrations from serum was performed with the N Latex high sensitivity C reactive protein mono-immunoassay on a Behring Nephelometer II analyser. The limit of detection was 0.17 mg/l, and the coefficient of variation was less than 6% for this assay. Fibrinogen concentrations were determined with the Organon Teknika MDA 180 analyser, with a modification of the Clauss thrombin clotting method, with a coefficient of variation of less than 10%. All analyses were carried out in the same laboratory according to standard operating procedures by state registered medical laboratory scientific officers.

Statistical analysisCox proportional hazards models were used, with months as the time scale, to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease events or death according to oral hygiene. The data were censored to

December 2007 in event-free survivors. Initially, toothbrushing habit was included in the Cox model as a covariate, with adjustment for age and sex. In further multivariate models we adjusted

for socioeconomic group using the registrar general classification (professional/intermediate, skilled non-manual, skilled manual, part skilled/unskilled), smoking (never, ex-smoker, current

smoker), sex specific thirds of physical activity, frequency of dentist visits (at least once every six months, once every one to two years, rarely or never), BMI (underweight <18.5, normal weight 18.5-25.0, overweight 25.01-30.0, obese 30.1-40.0, morbidly obese >40.0), and family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The proportional hazards

assumption was examined by comparing the cumulative hazard plots grouped on exposure, although no violations were noted.

We examined the association between frequency of toothbrushing and inflammatory markers (C reactive protein and fibrinogen) using general linear models with adjustments for age, sex, socioeconomic group, smoking, visits to dentist, BMI, family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, and acute infections (including influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis, and upper respiratory tract infections in the three weeks before assessment). C reactive protein was log transformed to normalise the data. All analyses were performed with SPSS (version 14), and all tests of significance were based on two sided probability.

Results We removed from the analyses 3685 participants who were edentulous (no natural

teeth) and 386 with existing cardiovascular disease. Participants with missing demographic data (n=204) were also excluded, leaving a final sample size of 11 869 (46.1% men, mean age 50.0 (SD 11.0)). The excluded edentate participants were older and more likely to be women and smokers.

Oral health behaviour was generally good, with about 62% (14 718) of participants reporting regular (at least every six months) visits to a dentist and 71% (8481) reporting good oral hygiene

(brushing teeth twice a day). Participants who brushed their teeth less often than twice a day were slightly older, more likely to be men, and of lower social status and had a high prevalence of risk factors including smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (table 1) . Participants from the different survey years were comparable in terms of demographics and risk factors.

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Table 1  Characteristics of study population in relation to oral hygiene. Figures are numbers (percentage) unless stated otherwise

 There were 555 cardiovascular disease events over an average of 8.1 (SD 3.4) years of follow-up, of which 170 were fatal. In about 74% (411) of cardiovascular disease events the principal

diagnosis was coronary heart disease. The mean age of event-free survivors compared with participants with a recorded cardiovascular disease event was 49.6 (SD 10.9) and 57.0 (SD 10.3), respectively (P<0.001), at baseline. In age and sex adjusted analyses participants reporting poor dental hygiene had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events and cardiovascular disease

death (tables 2 and 3) . In further multivariate models the associations were attenuated, although they remained significant in the case of cardiovascular disease events. Participants who

reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70% increased risk of a cardiovascular disease event in fully adjusted models compared with participants who brushed their teeth twice a day. The other independent predictors of cardiovascular disease events included smoking (hazard ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 2.9), hypertension (1.7, 1.4 to 2.0), and diabetes (1.9, 1.4 to 2.7).

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Table 2  Cox regression models for toothbrushing and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (fatal and non-fatal combined)

 

 As some previous studies have suggested effect modification by age, sex, and smoking status in relation to oral health and cardiovascular disease,19 we performed various sensitivity analyses.

There were no clear sex differences in our results; the age adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular disease events in relation to toothbrushing less than once a day was 2.2 (1.6 to 3.1) in men and 3.6 (1.7 to 7.7) in women. There was also no difference by age; the age/sex adjusted hazard ratio was 2.7 (1.4 to 5.4) in participants aged 65 or above compared with 2.2 (1.6

to 3.0) in those aged less than 65. There were no differences between smokers (2.0, 1.3 to 3.0) and those who had never smoked (2.0, 1.1 to 3.6).

There were significant associations between frequency of toothbrushing and markers of low grade systemic inflammation (table 4) . Participants who brushed their teeth less often had increased concentrations of both C reactive protein and fibrinogen. These associations remained significant after multiple adjustments. In the subsample of participants with available biological data we re-ran the survival analyses to examine if the association between toothbrushing and cardiovascular disease was weakened by the inclusion of inflammatory markers (see appendix on bmj.com). In these analyses there were 161 cardiovascular disease events and the age and sex adjusted associations were similar compared with the main sample. The introduction of C reactive protein and fibrinogen did partly attenuate the point estimates, thus suggesting a possible mediating role.

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Table 4  Adjusted regression coefficients (95% CI) of toothbrushing on inflammatory markers (n=4830)

 

Discussion Toothbrushing is associated with cardiovascular disease, even after adjustment for age,

sex, socioeconomic group, smoking, visits to dentist, BMI, family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diagnosis of diabetes. Our results largely confirm those of previous studies.20 21 We examined the association between toothbrushing behaviour and cardiovascular disease and whether markers of low grade inflammation/coagulation were associated with low frequency of toothbrushing. Our results also suggest that toothbrushing is associated with concentrations of C reactive protein and fibrinogen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show an association between a single item self reported measure of toothbrushing and incident cardiovascular disease in a large representative sample of adults without overt

cardiovascular disease. As self reported measures of oral hygiene have been associated with clinically confirmed periodontal disease,13 a simple self report measure of toothbrushing could therefore be associated with future risk for cardiovascular disease.

Oral health and cardiovascular diseaseThe role of oral health in the aetiology of cardiovascular disease has received considerable attention. Periodontal disease is a complex chronic inflammatory disease, resulting in a loss of connective tissue and bone support of the teeth.22 It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults aged

over 40, and, according to the World Health Organization, affects people worldwide at

prevalence rates of up to 10-20% for the most severe forms.23 Periodontal disease is highly prevalent, especially in late middle age when coronary artery disease is also most common,24 and it is caused mostly by poor oral hygiene.

In our study, participants who brushed their teeth less often had a 70% increased risk of a cardiovascular disease event in fully adjusted models. These results confirm findings from several observational epidemiological studies that showed that poor periodontal health status is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.1 In a study of 15 year follow-up data from the First National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES I) Epidemiologic Follow-up Study, DeStefano et al found that people with periodontal disease had a 25% increased risk for coronary heart disease relative to those with minimal periodontal disease, after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, poverty index, marital status, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol concentration, diabetes, BMI, and alcohol consumption.25 In a longitudinal study, Beck et al found that the odds ratios were 1.5 for total coronary heart disease and 1.9 for fatal coronary heart disease among people with periodontal bone loss compared with those without bone loss, after adjustment for several risk factors for cardiovascular disease.26

One meta-analysis concluded that periodontal disease and poor oral health overall indeed contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.27 Another meta-analysis, by Bahekar et al, confirmed that having periodontal disease might enhance the risk for cardiovascular disease but concluded that this risk was not robust.20

Periodontal disease seems to be associated with a 19% increase in the risk of future cardiovascular disease. This increase in relative risk is more prominent (44%) in people aged under 65. The increment of risk between people with or without periodontal disease in the general population is modest, at around 20%, because nearly 40% of the population have periodontal disease. This modest increase might, however, have a profound public health impact.28

In our study, less frequent toothbrushing was associated with increased concentrations of both C reactive protein and fibrinogen, and these associations remained significant after multiple adjustments including acute infections such as influenza. The work on serum markers of inflammation in both cardiovascular and periodontal research is extensive. The literature clearly shows that raised pro-inflammatory cytokines are present in both cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. As a result, accumulating evidence has associated severe periodontal disease with increased odds of future cardiovascular disease events.3 Our study suggests a possible role of poor oral hygiene in the risk of cardiovascular disease via systemic inflammation. Raised inflammatory and homoeostatic responses as well as lipid metabolism disturbance caused by

periodontal infection might be possible pathways underlying the observed association between periodontal disease and the increased risk for cardiovascular disease.29 Few studies, however,

have examined these potential pathways. If these biological mechanisms are responsible for a slight increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, better controlled and larger studies will be needed to identify them. Such efforts would be important because of the relatively high prevalence of periodontal disease.

Strengths and limitationsThe Scottish Health Survey is nationally representative, with a rigorous design and data linked to a patient based database of hospital admissions and deaths with follow-up. The Scottish

population is relatively homogeneous, with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and poor indicators of oral health, thus our findings have high relevance to this population.

Though clinical data regarding the periodontal disease status of the participants might have strengthened our findings, previous research has also shown a good correlation between self report and clinical evaluation of periodontal disease.13 We had no follow-up data on toothbrushing behaviour. There is, however, evidence showing stability of oral health related behaviour such as toothbrushing and dental flossing,30 thus small changes in oral health behaviour are unlikely to affect the present findings. Both residual confounding and potential influence of effect modifiers could be responsible for a substantial attenuation of the relative risk in fully adjusted models. In addition, misclassification of both the exposure and the outcome could have played a role.

ConclusionsOur results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, inflammatory markers were significantly

associated with poor oral health behaviour. Future experimental studies will be needed to confirm whether the observed association between oral health behaviour and cardiovascular disease is in fact causal or merely a risk marker. Nevertheless, use of a simple one item measure of self reported toothbrushing could be a useful and cost effective marker of future health risk in large scale population studies.

Given the high prevalence of oral infections in the population, doctors should be alert to the possible oral source of an increased inflammatory burden. In addition, educating patients in improving personal oral hygiene is beneficial to their oral health regardless of the relation with systemic disease.

What is already known on this topicThere is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal diseasePoor oral hygiene is associated with periodontal disease, a common chronic inflammatory condition

What this study adds

These results confirm and further strengthen the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular diseaseInflammatory markers are significantly associated with poor oral health behavior

Briefing heart disease

Heart disease or cardiopathy is an umbrella term for a variety of different diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States,[1][2] England, Canada and Wales,[3] accounting for 25.4% of the total deaths in the United States.[4]

Types heart disease

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease refers to the failure of the coronary circulation to supply adequate circulation to cardiac muscle and surrounding tissue. Coronary heart disease is most commonly equated with Coronary artery disease although coronary heart disease can be due to other causes, such as coronary vasospasm.[5]

Coronary artery disease is a disease of the artery caused by the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium. Angina pectoris (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are symptoms of and conditions caused by coronary heart disease.

Over 459,000 Americans die of coronary heart disease every year[6]. In the United Kingdom, 101,000 deaths annually are due to coronary heart disease.[7]

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy literally means "heart muscle disease" (Myo= muscle, pathy= disease) It is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle) for any reason. People with cardiomyopathy are often at risk of arrhythmia and/or sudden cardiac death.

Extrinsic cardiomyopathies – cardiomyopathies where the primary pathology is outside the myocardium itself. Most cardiomyopathies are extrinsic, because by far the most common cause of a cardiomyopathy is ischemia. The World Health Organization calls these specific cardiomyopathies[citation needed]:

o Alcoholic cardiomyopathy o Coronary artery disease o Congenital heart disease o Nutritional diseases affecting the hearto Ischemic (or ischaemic) cardiomyopathy o Hypertensive cardiomyopathy o Valvular cardiomyopathy – see also Valvular heart disease belowo Inflammatory cardiomyopathy – see also Inflammatory heart disease belowo Cardiomyopathy secondary to a systemic metabolic disease

o Myocardiodystrophy Intrinsic cardiomyopathies – weakness in the muscle of the heart that is not due to an

identifiable external cause. o Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – most common form, and one of the leading

indications for heart transplantation. In DCM the heart (especially the left ventricle) is enlarged and the pumping function is diminished.

o Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM or HOCM) – genetic disorder caused by various mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. In HCM the heart muscle is thickened, which can obstruct blood flow and prevent the heart from functioning properly.

o Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – arises from an electrical disturbance of the heart in which heart muscle is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. The right ventricle is generally most affected.

o Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) – least common cardiomyopathy. The walls of the ventricles are stiff, but may not be thickened, and resist the normal filling of the heart with blood.

o Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy – the left ventricle wall has failed to properly grow from birth and such has a spongy appearance when viewed during an echocardiogram.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is any of a number of specific diseases that affect the heart itself and/or the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart. Research on disease dimorphism suggests that women who suffer with cardiovascular disease usually suffer from forms that affect the blood vessels while men usually suffer from forms that affect the heart muscle itself. Known or associated causes of cardiovascular disease include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Types of cardiovascular disease include:

Atherosclerosis

Ischaemic heart disease

Ischaemic heart disease – another disease of the heart itself, characterized by reduced blood supply to the organs.

Heart failure

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure (or CHF), and congestive cardiac failure (CCF), is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. Therefore leading to the heart and body's failure.

Cor pulmonale , a failure of the right side of the heart.

Hypertensive heart disease

Hypertensive heart disease is heart disease caused by high blood pressure, especially localised high blood pressure. Conditions that can be caused by hypertensive heart disease include:

Left ventricular hypertrophy Coronary heart disease (Congestive) heart failure Hypertensive cardiomyopathy Cardiac arrhythmias

Inflammatory heart disease

Inflammatory heart disease involves inflammation of the heart muscle and/or the tissue surrounding it.

Endocarditis – inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium. The most common structures involved are the heart valves.

Inflammatory cardiomegaly Myocarditis – inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular part of the heart.

Valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease is disease process that affects one or more valves of the heart. There are four major heart valve which may be affected by valvular heart disease, including the tricuspid and aortic valves in the right side of the heart, as well as the mitral and aortic valves in the left side of the heart.

New Weapon To Fight Heart Disease: Toothbrush

According to recent study, brushing your teeth can not only prevent a variety of tooth diseases and make your breath smell nice, but it can also help to prevent heart disease.  The study found that people who admitted to brushing their teeth less than twice a day had a 70% greater risk of having a heart attack.

According to Richard Watt, DDS, from University College London: “Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Furthermore, inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a very simple measure of poor oral health behavior.”  However, Watt also said that more studies would need to be conducted before it could be determined whether the two factors in question, namely poor dental hygiene and heart disease, are in fact causal or simply have a tendency to occur alongside one another.

However, researches do suspect causal tie:  “Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and markers of low grade inflammation have been consistently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease,” is what was written in a report.

Fight Heart Disease with a Toothbrush

medicues | 28 May 2010, 9:45 pm

Neglecting your teeth may lead to heart disease.  This is according to a study published the

latest issue of the British Medical Journal.Researchers report that brushing your teeth less than twice a day can increase your risk of heart disease.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 people who participated in the Scottish Health Survey, in which individuals were asked about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines. Questions asked include how often they visited the dentist and how often they brushed their teeth.  This information was analyzed and compared with the participant’s medical history and family history of heart disease and blood pressure. Additionally, blood samples were taken from a subgroup of participants and tested for the inflammatory protein CRP and fibrinogen levels. The data gathered from the interviews were linked to hospital admissions and deaths.

The results showed that generally good oral hygiene practices, with 62% of participants saying they visited the dentist every six months and 71% reporting that they brushed their teeth twice a day.

Researchers analyzed the data and adjustment for established risk factors for heart disease which include age, sex, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, visits to dentist, body-mass index, family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and socioeconomic group.

Researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had an increased risk of heart disease compared with people who brushed their teeth twice a day.  Researchers also found that participants who had poor oral hygiene also had increased levels of the CRP and fibrinogen blood tests.

The study authors comment that while it has been established that inflammation in the body (including mouth and gums) plays an important role in the buildup of atherosclerosis, this is the first study to investigate whether the number of times individuals brush their teeth has any bearing on the risk of developing heart disease.

The study authors also comment that “to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show an association between a single-item self-reported measure of toothbrushing and incident cardiovascular disease in a large representative sample of adults without overt cardiovascular disease.”   Additionally they add, “Our study suggests a possible role of poor oral hygiene in the risk of cardiovascular disease via systemic inflammation. Raised inflammatory responses as well as lipid metabolism disturbance caused by periodontal infection might be possible pathways underlying the observed association between periodontal disease and the increased risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Take Proper Care of ToothbrushesMay 30, 2010 Harriet Cooper

Replace Toothbrush Regularly - Ellie

Taking proper care of toothbrushes is an important part of dental hygiene and leads to better oral health and a longer-lasting toothbrush.

Today, toothbrushes are so much part of everyday life that most people don't give much thought to how they're used. Just brush and forget about them. But consider that people put these dental implements in their mouths twice a day, every day, and it becomes clear that taking care of toothbrushes becomes an important part of oral hygiene.

According to the American Dental Association and the Council on Scientific Affairs, soaking toothbrushes in antibacterial mouthwash or using a toothbrush sanitizer has little or no effect on oral health. Other methods, such as disinfecting toothbrushes in the dishwasher or microwave, could harm the toothbrush and decrease its cleaning effectiveness.

Instead, simple everyday steps outlined below can keep toothbrushes clean and ready for use.

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Keep Toothbrushes Clean and Dry

The first rule in caring for toothbrushes is simple: when not in use, always keep toothbrushes clean and dry.

After each use, rinse the toothbrush with tap water and shake it hard several times to dislodge any leftover toothpaste and debris from the mouth that is caught in the bristles. Toothpaste and food debris are tempting targets for the bacteria that live in mouths. Depriving these bacteria of at least one food source helps keep their numbers down.

Store toothbrushes in an upright position to allow them to air dry naturally.

If storing more than one toothbrush in a single holder, keep the brushes separated so they don't cross-contaminate each other and to allow for faster air drying. Using a standard toothbrush holder with several slots keep the brushes upright and separated and stop family members from passing colds and flu back and forth through their toothbrushes.

Don't store toothbrushes in closed containers. A closed container keeps moisture in, making the toothbrush more susceptible to microorganisms such as germs, bacteria and fungus that flourish in moist environments.

If travelling, try to let the toothbrush air dry before placing it in a travel container.

Check and Replace Toothbrushes Often

As a rule of thumb, replace toothbrushes every three or four months at a minimum.

As the brush is used, the bristles become frayed and worn. They more frayed they are, the less effective they become at removing plaque from teeth and gums. It's harder to get worn bristles between and around teeth where bacteria and plaque build up, which means a greater chance of cavities and gum disease.

Replace toothbrushes after an illness such as a cold, the flu, mouth infection or sore throat. The harmful bacteria that caused the illness may build up on the toothbrush's bristles and cause re-infection.

Because people brush differently in terms of the amount of pressure applied and also the length of brushing time, toothbrushes may wear out at different rates for different people. Rather than rely on the rule of thumb figure, simply check the toothbrush for worn bristles on a regular basis. Then replace as needed.

Parents should check children's toothbrushes often, as the softer bristles in children's toothbrushes may wear out faster than those in adult brushes.

Taking proper care of toothbrushes mean they will last longer and do a better job.

Read more at Suite101: Take Proper Care of Toothbrushes http://oral-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/take-proper-care-of-toothbrushes#ixzz0urshzhjd

Fight heart disease with a toothbrush Cardiovascular, Diseases, Doctor, Health tips, Heart, Men’s health, Prevention, Research studies, Women’s health — posted by fernando quintero on April, 1 2010 10:58 AM Discuss This: Comments(1) | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it

Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

This link to gum disease helps dentists identify patients who may need a cardiovascular screening.

More than a million people in the U.S. have heart attacks each year, and more than half do not survive the attacks, according to the American Heart Association. Nearly two-thirds those who have heart attacks have no history of chest pain, and many don’t have common risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol. A simple dental check-up may have led them to early evaluation and treatment.

“Many men and women may not be aware that they are at risk for heart problems,” said Michael Childers, dental director for Dental Care Alliance of Florida. “But because I know there are more than 50 studies linking gum disease with heart disease and stroke. I talk to my periodontal patients about their heart health and family history and, when appropriate, recommend they be evaluated by a physician or cardiologist.”

Signs of gum disease can include red, swollen, tender gums and gums that have receded, bad breath and loose teeth.

Dental Care Alliance of Florida offers new patients introductory first visit, including a complete dental exam and x-rays for $1 at all of their 16 offices including several in Central Florida.

For more information and office locations, visit the Advanced Dental Care of Florida website.  

How to avoid heart disease: brush your teeth, say scientists

This is interesting. I had no idea by brushing your teeth it lowers the chances of you receiving heart diseases. I always thought brushing your teeth is for lowering the chance of you having bad breathitis. So now heres one more reason for one to brush their teeth, if that stink wasn't enough before.

Here's another reason to brush your teeth: poor dental hygiene boosts the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a pair of studies reported this week.

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, claiming upward of 17 million lives every year, according to the World Health Organization.

Smoking, obesity and high cholesterol are the most common culprits, but the new research shows that neglected gums can be added to the list.

"We now recognize that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases," said Howard Jenkins of the University of Bristol in Britain, at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology in Dublin.

"In other words, it doesn't matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, you're adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth," the professor said.

Dr. Helaine Smith's Successful Smiles Blog

Ordinary Toothbrush Helps Fight Heart Disease and DiabetesJanuary 21st, 2009Last updated August 24th, 2009

Free e-book, "Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!," explains why brushing your teeth is the best thing you can do for your body and provides prevention and treatment options for those who have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) January 21, 2009 – Dr. Helaine Smith, a Boston-based dental expert, recently published her second e-book, Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!. A free e-book, Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!, explains why brushing and flossing your teeth every day can help prevent other diseases in the body, including heart disease and diabetes, as well as potentially lowering the risk of low-birth weight babies and preeclampsia.

Dr. Smith, a passionate believer in educating the public about oral health care, developed Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth! to clarify popular misconceptions about good oral hygiene, gum disease, and overall health to her patients and the general public. "In recent years," says Dr. Smith, "the scientific community, the federal government, and the American Dental Association have all devoted increased attention to the importance of maintaining oral health for whole body health. There’s a revolutionary understanding among the scientific community of the importance of vigilant oral hygiene in order to minimize the risk of diseases ranging from throat cancer to atherosclerosis."

"Despite this better understanding," says Dr. Smith, "many patients were coming into my office with questions about the new findings. For example, research has proven that untreated periodontal disease can cause low birth-weight babies and even miscarriages — yet women still do not know they should visit a dentist before getting pregnant in order to ensure they have healthy teeth and gums."

Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth! helps consumers determine whether they are at risk for periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) by outlining the lifestyle choices and medical conditions that make individuals more susceptible to the disease. Dr. Smith explains the

potential consequences of leaving periodontal disease untreated and provides prevention and treatment options for those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

In addition to her e-book, Dr. Smith has developed YouTube videos, a dental blog, and a content-rich and educational dental Website in order to educate consumers about good oral health care. In her YouTube videos, for example, she demonstrates how to get tested for oral cancer and new technologies that allow for painless dental injections.

Reduce Heart Disease with Dental hygieneThu, Dec 18, 2008

Archives, Dental Hygiene / Bad Breath, Heart Disease, Midlife Crisis

By Irwan Lee

Poor dental hygiene and not brush your teeth regularly can cause unhealthy teeth, bleeding gum which might boosts the risk of heart attacks and strokes according to researchers at a September 2008 meeting of the Society for General Microbiology in Dublin.

According to the World Health Organization, heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, claiming up to 17 million lives annually. It is the leading cause of death, accounts for 40 per cent of all deaths annually – 11,300 people, in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand, where it.

Often, most people with cardiovascular disease have common risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol. But recently, researchers have discovered new link between gum disease and heart disease and stroke.

Gum disease is the most common infections in human and there are over 50 studies linking gum disease with heart disease and stroke.

People with poor dental hygiene and those who don’t brush their teeth regularly end up with bleeding gums, which provide an entry to the bloodstream for up to 700 different types of bacteria found in the human mouth. Failing to scrub clean your teeth will cause

those germs to flourish. Many are essential to good health, and some are benign. Few trigger a biological cascade leading to chronic bacterial infections that have been associated with atherosclerosis, the main risk factor of heart attacks.

“The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body. If you have an open blood vessel from bleeding gums, bacteria will gain entry to your bloodstream. When bacteria get into the bloodstream they encounter tiny fragments called platelets that clot blood when you get a cut. By sticking to the platelets bacteria cause them to clot inside the blood vessel, partially blocking it. This prevents the blood flow back to the heart and we run the risk of suffering a heart attack.” said Dr Steve Kerrigan of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland.

“Cardiovascular disease is currently the biggest killer in the western world. Oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are common infecting agents, and we now recognize that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases. In other words it doesn’t matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, you’re adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth.” said Professor Howard Jenkinson from the University of Bristol.

Good dental hygiene is not only for children. A clean mouth will make you more immune to infection, having a healthy smile and reducing bad breath. It is never too early or too late to begin taking care of your teeth and gum!

The standard expert recommendations include brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, see a dentist regularly or when signs of trouble appear.

Tips For Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth for Oral Health:

Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after meals or snacks.using fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (gentler on your gums) which allows you to reach every surface. Replace it if the bristles are bent or frayed, minimum every 2 to 3 months.

Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth. Position the toothbrush at at a slight angle against your teeth pr a 45-degree angle where

your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a vibrating back & forth motion, brushing 2-3 teeth at a time. Maintain the 45-degree angle against your gumline to gently brush along all of the inner

tooth surfaces using a back, forth, and rolling motion. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum. Use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion to clean the biting surface of the teeth. Don’t forget to brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if it becomes frayed.

Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well.

Flossing for oral health:All the tight spaces between your teeth or the areas under your gumline can’t reached by the toothbrush. Flossing removes plaque build up improves oral health.

Carefully ease the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion.

Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter “C” as it wraps around the tooth and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.

Gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque but don’t force it under the gums.

Floss the backs of your teeth. Use fresh floss as you progress through your teeth. Try waxed floss, If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth.

Other oral health care tipsIn addition to brushing and flossing, consider also these oral health tips:

Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth. Use an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick or dental stick specially designed to

clean between your teeth. Use oral irrigators, or devices that aim a stream of water at your teeth, to remove food

particles. Don’t use toothpicks or other objects that aren’t made to clean your teeth.

Visit your Dentist Office regularly at least twice a year or if this symptoms occurs:

Red, tender or swollen gums Gums that bleed when you’re regularly brushing and flossing Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, which may make your teeth seem longer Pus around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums A bad taste in your mouth Loose teeth Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch

Changes in the feel of your dentures Sensitivity to hot and cold

Infections and Heart disease It has been proven that certain infections can cause heart disease. The currently known pathogens include Bacteroides Forsythus, Porphomonas Gingivalis (both from the mouth) nanobacteria, Chlamydia Pneumonia, H. Pylori and herpes simplex virus type 1. Nanobacteria in particular is known to secrete calcium apatite, which can harden the arteries.

Dr. Deepak Bhatt of the American Heart Association, noted in his research that patients whose white blood cell counts were in the top 25 percent of all white blood cell levels tested had the same risk of death from heart disease as patients with diabetes, about a 40 percent increase in the risk of fatal heart attacks.

In a study presented by Dr. Efthymois Deliargyris at Chapel Hill, Dr. Deliargyris said that 85 percent of his heart attack patients had severe periodontal disease as opposed to only 29 percent of the healthy volunteers.

For this reason, we have developed a new hygienic tooth brushing system.

Disposable toothbrush system

Coming soon . . .

Toothbrushes are havens for pathogenic bacteria*. Moist, filled with food debris, and never sterilized, toothbrushes are infectious toxic instruments. Each gram of plaque contains one trillion bacterial cells, making the mouth the most concentrated source of bacteria in the body. Since many of the infections known to cause heart disease and other conditions are found in the bacteria and fungi found in the mouth, a clean toothbrush is vitally important to maintaining good health.

Ozone and ultraviolet toothbrush sterilizers don't work. You can find fungus actually growing inside the ultraviolet toothbrush sterilizers. The only solution is to use a new toothbrush every time. Our disposable toothbrushes use new bio-degradable material every time you brush your teeth. Best of all, they outperform every toothbrush on the market. Try brushing your teeth with the biological hazard you are currently using, then try our disposable brush. The difference is amazing.

Our toothbrushes do not require toothpaste. In addition, brushing your teeth with standard toothbrushes gradually wears the tooth enamel away. Out toothbrushes work by polishing rather then 'brushing' and so the vital enamel is protected.

Bacteria that are commonly found on toothbrushes:

1. Staphylococcus aureus: or commonly known as "golden staph", which is a common cause of infection in cuts, eyes and ears.

2. Beta haemolytic Streptococci: this group of bacteria includes the bacteria that causes sore throats, and also the group of bacteria that causes dental caries.

3. Pseudomonas species: this organism causes serious eye and ear infections, and is a common cause of "swimmer's ear", contracted from swimming pools and spa pools.

4. Fecal coliforms: a group of bacteria found in human feces.5. Candida species: yeast not bacteria. Causes thrush (both oral and vaginal).

Dentist Dr Stephen Marks emphasizes the risks that bacteria on toothbrushes can pose and says that every time a toothbrush is used, there are small breaches or lacerations to the gums — even in a healthy mouth — and therefore the opportunity for infection is very real.

100 years ago, rags were used (and re-used) instead of toilet paper. Today, such an idea seems medieval and filthy. 100 years from now, people will say the same thing about using the same toothbrush over and over. Standard toothbrushes represent the single greatest source of chronic

infection that we encounter. If you are suffering from a weak immune system, heart disease, or simply want better health, consider investing in our disposable toothbrush system.

Dental Health Tiedto Heart Healtho o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Can a toothbrush help clean out your heart?Surprisingly, yes. Brushing your teeth has been shownto be the first step in preventing periodontal disease that canlead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications.Chris Kammer, D.D.S., of the Center for CosmeticDentistry in Middleton, Wisconsin, says that 80 percent ofadults have periodontal disease and most cases go undetected.The disease raises the level of harmful bacteria in themouth, vv^hich travels through the bloodstream to otherorgans in the body, and can lead to a plaque buildup inarteries surrounding the heart.

"Most people don't think of their dentist when it comesto health problems that are not found in one's mouth," saysKammer. "But a dentist can actually be the first line ofdefense in reducing the risk for many of the most deadlydiseases."Brushing and flossing are effective means of preventingperiodontal disease, but diabetes can counteract theseefforts. Diabetes, which kills more people annually thanbreast cancer and AIDS, can weaken your mouth's abilityto fight germs, increase blood-sugar levels, and make periodontaldisease more difficult to control. Your dentist maysuspect diabetes if you brush and fioss regularly and stillhave symptoms of periodontal disease. Nearly 21 million4 TIPS TO PREVENTPERIODONTAL DISEASEI Be knowledgeable about how gumproblems start, and look for early signs.[Brush your teeth twice per day. Alsoremember to brush your tongue and theroof of your mouth.I Floss your teeth once per day and use anirrigator like a Waterpick or Hydrofloss foreven deeper cleaning of the gum pockets.I Visit your dentist for a cleaning two tofour times per year.

children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, yet one-third of them are notaware they have the disease. Regulargum-disease therapy and treatmentscan help avoid diabetes complicationsIt is now known that patientswith a 20 percent increase ofperiodontal bone loss have a40 percent increase in developingchronic heart disease.as serious as death.As periodontal disease worsens, surgerymay be needed to save your teeth.The more teeth a person has lost, thegreater the risk for cardiovascular problemssuch as heart disease. Bleedinggums is just one of many symptoms ofperiodontal disease. New studies published

in the fournal of Periodontologyare linking periodontal disease to diabetesand heart disease. And theAmerican Association for CancerResearch has even found that diseasedgums raise the risk of pancreatic cancer.In fact, men with a history of gumdisease had a 63 percent higher risk ofdeveloping pancreatic cancer relativeto men without periodontal diseaseafter factoring out smoking, diabetes,obesity and other potentially confoundingfactors. Pancreatic cancer isthe fourth leading cause of death fromcancer death in the United States.Kammer adds, "If you washed yourhands and they started to bleed, youwould be alarmed, right? Then howcome the majority of people are notalarmed when they brush their teethand their gums bleed?"According to Kammer, periodontaldisease works to destroy gums and isthe leading cause of tooth loss inadults. The process begins when theplaque that settles around your gumline fails to be removed by daily brushingand flossing. When plaque stays onyour teeth, it turns into tartar, and onlyyour dentist can remove tartar. Theplaque and the tartar are irritants thathouse the bacteria that cause the gumsto become infected.It is now known that patients with a20 percent increase of periodontalbone loss have a 40 percent increase indeveloping chronic heart disease.Researchers found that diseased gumsreleased higher levels of bacterial proinflammatorycomponents into thebloodstream. These bacterial agentscould travel to other organs in thebody and cause damage.—Medical News Today

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back.

Other symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

Shortness of breath Palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest) A faster heartbeat Weakness or dizziness Nausea Sweating

Symptoms of a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction or MI)

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn) Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath Rapid or irregular heartbeats

During a heart attack, symptoms typically last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medications (medications taken by mouth). Initial symptoms can start as a mild discomfort that progresses to significant pain.

Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" MI). A silent MI can occur among all people, though it occurs more often among diabetics.

If you think you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help (dial 911 in most areas). Immediate treatment of a heart attack is very important to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

Symptoms of Arrhythmias

When symptoms of arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rhythm, are present, they may include:

Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away").

Pounding in your chest. Dizziness or feeling light-headed. Fainting. Shortness of breath. Chest discomfort. Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired).

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia. Most people with AF experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Heart palpitations (a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing feeling in the heart). Lack of energy; tired. Dizziness (feeling faint or light-headed). Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest). Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing during activities of daily living).

Some patients with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Sometimes these episodes are briefer.

Symptoms of Heart Disease(continued)

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Symptoms of h eart valve disease can include:

Shortness of breath and/or difficulty catching your breath. You may notice this most when you are active (doing your normal daily activities) or when you lie down flat in bed.

Weakness or dizziness. Discomfort in your chest. You may feel a pressure or weight in your chest with activity

or when going out in cold air. Palpitations (this may feel like a rapid heart rhythm, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, or

a flip-flop feeling in your chest).

If valve disease causes heart failure, symptoms may include:

Swelling of your ankles or feet. Swelling may also occur in your abdomen, which may cause you to feel bloated.

Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible).

Symptoms of heart valve disease do not always relate to the seriousness of your condition. You may have no symptoms at all and have severe valve disease, requiring prompt treatment. Or, as with mitral valve prolapse, you may have severe symptoms, yet tests may show minor valve disease.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

Shortness of breath noted during activity (most commonly) or at rest, especially when you lie down flat in bed.

Cough that is productive of a white mucus. Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible). Swelling in ankles, legs, and abdomen. Dizziness. Fatigue and weakness. Rapid or irregular heartbeats. Other symptoms include nausea, palpitations, and chest pain.

Like valve disease, heart failure symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is. You may have many symptoms, but your heart function may be only mildly weakened. Or you may have a severely damaged heart, with little or no symptoms.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects may be diagnosed before birth, right after birth, during childhood, or not until adulthood. It is possible to have a defect and no symptoms at all. Sometimes it can be diagnosed because of a heart murmur on physical exam or an abnormal EKG or chest X-ray in someone with no symptoms. 

In adults, if symptoms of congenital heart disease are present, they may include:

Shortness of breath. Limited ability to exercise. Symptoms of heart failure (see above) or valve disease (see above).

 

Congenital Heart Defects in Infants and Children

Symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants and children may include:

Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips). Fast breathing and poor feeding.

Poor weight gain. Recurrent lung infections. Inability to exercise.

Symptoms of Heart Disease(continued)

Symptoms of Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy)

Many people with cardiomyopathy have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress and worsen as heart function worsens.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can occur at any age and may include:

Chest pain or pressure (occurs usually with exercise or physical activity, but can also occur with rest or after meals).

Heart failure symptoms (see above). Swelling of the lower extremities. Fatigue. Fainting. Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms).

Some people also have arrhythmias. These can lead to sudden death in a small number of people with cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms of Pericarditis

When present, symptoms of pericarditis may include:

Chest pain. This pain is different from angina (pain caused by coronary artery disease). It may be sharp and located in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck and occasionally, the arms and back. It is made worse when lying down, taking a deep breath in, coughing, or swallowing and relieved by sitting forward.

Low-grade fever. Increased heart rate.

Because many of the symptoms associated with each type of heart disease are similar, it is important to see your doctor so that you can receive a correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.