No one likes going to the dentist, but oral hygiene problems may be more common than you think.
About 20% of adults have at least one untreated cavity. It happens to almost everyone at one time or another, with 96% of people age 65 and older having cavities at some point in their lives. CDC.
Gum disease is also common – and risky. National Library of Medicine it is called The major threat to dental health and the most common cause of tooth loss.
More than 42% of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and about 8% have a more severe form of it, called severe periodontal disease. This rate increases as people age, however, with more than half of adults age 65 and older having some form of gum disease.
Not only will all this lead to wasted time at the dentist, but it can also potentially affect your brain and heart health.
a fresh Study The study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that both cavities and gum disease were linked to a 36% higher risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
The research analyzed data from nearly 6,000 people with an average age of 63 years and no history of stroke at the start of the study. Participants underwent a dental examination at the beginning of the study to establish overall oral health and were then placed into one of three groups:
- healthy mouth
- gum disease only
- gum disease with cavities
Researchers followed participants for two decades and tracked down those who had had a stroke through medical records and phone visits.
The results showed that people who regularly visited the dentist were 81% less likely to have both gum disease and a cavity and 29% less likely to have gum disease alone.
Of those with healthy mouths, 4% had a stroke. Among people with only gum disease, 7% had had a stroke, and among those who had gum disease And Cavities, 10% had stroke.
Researchers also found that compared to people with healthy mouths, people with gum disease and cavities had an 86% increased risk of stroke.
Having gum disease alone was associated with a 44% higher risk.
So, aside from annoying dentist visits, how can you maintain a healthy mouth and prevent cavities and gum disease?
The first tip is the most obvious – be sure to brush and floss regularly. It helps get rid of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. The American Dental Association has a guide to brushing properly its website.
Another tip to consider is to reduce sugary and acidic beverages and opt for more water. However, if you can’t give up your morning coffee, the University of Chicago, Illinois, College of Dentistry recommended Try to finish your cup within 20 minutes and then rinse your mouth with water.
addressing issues such as heartburn and dry mouth This is also important, because each of these can lead to oral health problems.
Fluoride use is also an important part of maximizing oral health. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated water, or even use fluoride gels or tablets.
To learn more about why you want to maintain a healthy mouth, see “This Dental Problem Is Linked to Higher Dementia Risk.”