How Brushing Your Teeth Can Helpl You Live Longer

A nice, shiny smile and pleasant breath may be an indication of a long and healthy lifespan. The health of your gums has a direct correlation with general health. There is a definite relationship between gum disease and other serious medical conditions such as heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and lung disease. A person who has healthy gums is more likely to live a longer life than someone with periodontal disease, or gum disease. Studies conducted show that people with periodontal diseases and tooth loss have an decreased lifespan. Another group of studies done at Emory University showed that those with periodontal disease and gingivitis have a 21% to 47% higher mortality rate. Healthy gums may reduce the rate of many various diseases.

Gum disease is indicated by the swelling and infection of the gums and the area around it. It is a number one cause of adult tooth loss, affecting 75% of people in adulthood. The gums that appear red and suffer from bleeding characterize the beginning stages of periodontal disease. These early symptoms will worsen to infections, bone loss, and chronic inflammation if not treated. Gum disease allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream easily, this stresses the immune system leaving the affected susceptible to other illness.

Studies show that people with periodontal disease are 25% more susceptible to a heart attack. Bacteria enters the gums and flows through the veins and arteries causing arterial inflammation provoking life-threatening clotting. A 10 year Harvard study of 35,000 men showed that those with periodontal disease had more instances of heart attack.

Preriodontal diseases has a significant effect on diabetics as well. The bacteria that enters the body through the gums stresses the body's control over sugar adjustment levels. The body cannot focus on regulating the diabetic's level, and is instead focusing on the virus. Antibiotics can help modulate the bacteria caused by periodontal disease while allowing the diabetic to control blood sugar level.

The bacteria from periodontal diseases may also affect the lungs. The bacteria that produces and accumulates in the mouths of those with gum disease may be inhaled, causing respiratory infection or pneumonia.

In order to prevent gum disease it is essential to have a strict brushing and flossing regimen at home. Brushing will clean the plaque on the surface of the teeth, and flossing removes plaque between the teeth and under the gumline. Remember to follow these tips in order to stop plaque build-up, and possibly live a longer life.