Good oral hygiene may add years to your life Friday, 26 August 2011 01:41

With Sonya Schneider-Ghaddar, RN

My dentist always says to brush your teeth twice a day and remember to floss! Even my four year old can easily quote his words back to me.  But I never stopped to think about why it is so important. Actually, we don’t have to look far to find several studies to back up that advice. The studies validate these standard recommendations and they outline the reasons why we should follow them.  According to Dr. Michael Roizen in his book, “The Real Age Makeover”, “Flossing alone can add 6.4 years to your life.”

A twin study, conducted at New York University, followed 51 sets of twins in their research.  One group brushed/ flossed their teeth and the other group only brushed their teeth each day. The results were not necessarily surprising to most dentists, but for the rest of us, it should be a wake-up call.  At the end of the study, the levels of bacteria (associated with periodontal/gum disease) on the teeth of each group were measured.  The group that brushed their teeth but did not floss had significantly more bacteria on their teeth than the other group.  

What does this tell us?  Well, first we all know bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum disease. Therefore higher levels of bacteria result in higher incidence of gum disease. From the infection in the mouth the bacteria has an entry point to the bloodstream. This means it can travel to the major arteries and cause plaque build-up and ultimately heart disease.  Scary to think about isn’t it!

The British Medical Journal (2010) also published a Scottish study that included more than 11,000 adults that were followed over a five year period.  Their findings were similar regarding the importance of good oral hygiene: “Those who reported brushing their teeth less than twice a day were at higher risk for clogged arteries/heart disease.”

So, the next time your dentist says to brush and floss, listen to him!  Unfortunately, the general risk of heart disease is a concept that we often ignore. But when someone translates the concept into 6.4 extra years to live, it takes on greater meaning.  Think of all the potential living an extra six years could provide.  I personally want all the years I can get!

The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued several recommendations regarding oral hygiene. They are very basic, but after reviewing the research, they are well worth remembering:

•    Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.  

•    Change your toothbrush every three or four months.

•    Floss your teeth on a daily basis.

•    Eat a balanced diet and avoid or limit snacking.

•    Visit your dentist on a regular basis for cleaning

and check-ups.

The ADA also recommends antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes because they reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity (related to plaque build-up on the teeth).  ADA states that clinical studies have demonstrated that using fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay and gingivitis (reversible form of periodontal disease).

So brushing your breath is no longer just for your breath, it is for your health.

Until next week: “Here’s to your health!”

THE PENINSU:A

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