Have You Flossed Today?

Several years ago I remember reading in a health magazine that flossing everyday helped reduce heart disease. At that time, it was suspected that decayed food particles left in the mouth leached out of the mouth cavity and could become lodged near heart valves where it eroded the valves and thus contributed to heart disease. When I mentioned it to my dentist, she confirmed that research was ongoing about the corollation between dental and overall health.

A February 2006 conference sponsored by the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association concluded that gum and mouth disease is associated with more widespread ailments in the body. An alarming percentage of Americans, over 80 percent suffer with some form of periodontal disease. Researchers presenting papers at the conference believe that oral disease can trigger other disorders because oral bacteria enters the bloodstream and either causes inflammation of other tissues or triggers an inflammatory immune response.

The research concluded that there was an association with premature delivery and moderate to serious dental disease, almost doubling the risk. Also, untreated periodontal disease may exacerbate diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

After reading this, I remembered reading the earlier article and I have made more of an effort to keep my teeth and mouth clean, especially at night. It's much easier to floss now than think about recovering from a valve replacement later.