Good oral hygiene ensures good heart health
Thursday - December 5, 2019 11:10 am ,
Category : WTN SPECIAL
WTN- Brushing teeth daily not only helps in maintaining good dental health but is also beneficial for the heart, says a recent study. Brushing teeth frequently is linked with lower risks of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, according to a study published today in the -- European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Previous research suggests that poor oral hygiene leads to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases the risks of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure.
Dental care is a much-neglected area in our society and unless some major pain or bleeding occurs, we hardly consult the doctor for general dental health and proper upkeep of our teeth. People’s habit of eating out is increasing and our food habits are also changing with more inclination to experiment with newer things, especially junk food and western imports. Experts say we are fast moving away from traditional Indian delicacies to fast food which are high on refined carbohydrates and are generally high in sugar. Sugar deposits affect our teeth and cause cavities. Sugars mixing with the bacteria inside the mouth create an acidic condition that corrode or break down the tooth enamels that in turn lead to tooth decay.
The practice of keeping good dental health must start from childhood and it is the role of parents to ensure that their children follow the right habits. Unfortunately, in India, at least 85 per cent households don’t even know that children have different toothpastes than adults. Most kids use adult pastes which are high on fluoride and affect young teeth. Apart, right practices like brushing twice daily or washing/rinsing the mouth after every meal etc. are also not always encouraged and monitored in homes which gradually deteriorate teeth health. The effects of neglect and ignorance of early care of teeth lead to major problems in a person’s middle age or beyond.
It is very important to impart dental health education to children early on and inform and educate parents and teachers on the same. In India lack of dentist in small towns and villages also leads to large scale neglect. Teeth are the roots of several infections if not taken due care. Almost 80 per cent people in the country have periodontal problems. There are several glands and pores, capillaries, blood vessels and tender muscles and delicate nerve ends in the mouth region. Any minor aberration or injury to any of these can lead to severe complications apart from the pain that accompany them.
Most of these smaller ailments and injuries are often neglected due to unawareness and lack of easy access to medical care. We talk a lot about our food and diet, we talk of anemia and nutrition, we talk of diabetes, pressure and cholesterol and heart health, but we hardly talk about dental health and its importance, which is a major reason for ignorance and laxity in maintaining our teeth properly. Also, since food plays a major role in it, we need to choose our food pattern wisely. We must learn to shun the lure of fast food and keep children away from chocolates and cold drinks, cakes, chips and ice creams except sparingly.
The stress should be on wholesome healthy meals that must include vitamin-rich dry fruit, black tea, pulses, lentils, milk and cheese and green leafy vegetables, which not only endure good dental health but also good heart health.- Window To News
