Healthy Hearts and Gums

Did you know that brushing your teeth is good for your heart?

What's the connection? Inflammation.

Bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body. And inflammation is at least partially responsible for clogged arteries. In fact, people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease.

In addition to good dental care, there are other things you can do to limit inflammation.

Regular exercise and stress reduction have anti-inflammatory effects.

So do certain foods. Like green tea, whole grains and raisins.

Japanese men who drank a cup of green tea daily significantly lowered their risk of gum disease. The more tea they drank, the lower their risk.

Four or more servings of whole grains reduced the risk of periodontal disease in a group of American men by nearly 25%. Most likely, blood sugar levels are responsible. Whole grains, which are digested slowly, produce a slow and steady rise in blood sugar. Refined grains, on the other hand, produce spikes in blood sugar which can induce inflammation – in the gums and in the heart.

Eating raisins can be beneficial to oral health. Oleanolic acid, an antioxidant in raisins, was found to inhibit the growth of bacteria which cause cavities and periodontal disease.

Think of your body as one whole unit consisting of intricately linked parts. Take care of one part and you automatically tend to others. So while you're exercising, reducing your stress and eating well, do your heart another favor – brush your teeth, floss and see your dentist regularly.