My friend confided in me that her husband will never leave her for another woman. Rather, she might lose him to a good Osso Bucco. I’m certain that you’ve heard the old adage, that the stomach is the pathway to a man’s heart but over the last few years there is growing evidence that the true path to the heart is through one’s teeth.
Showing the Pearly Whites
According to the Harvard Heart Letter, scientists have been exploring the connections between the mouth and the heart processes. Individuals who experience erosion of the gums and bone that support the teeth (periodontitis) can release bacteria into the bloodstream through chewing and brushing. Some types of periodontitis bacteria have been discovered in atherosclerotic plaque in arteries of the heart. This plaque is one of the things that can lead to a heart attack.
The same oral bacteria might also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls. Our immune system’s response to these toxins can harm vessel walls and make our blood clot more easily. There is also some speculation that oral inflammation ignites inflammation throughout our bodies, including in the arteries, where it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
What are the best methods of preserving our oral health:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day (no surprises here).
- Replace your toothbrush every four months. This maintains the integrity of the brush and keeps harmful bacteria from hanging around.
- Floss daily.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. (Find a dentist you really like!)
- Watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease such as receding gums and visit your dentist if you notice any problems.
There are also a few studies indicating that chewing sugar-free gum might contribute to overall dental health. Unfortunately, most of what I’ve uncovered was sponsored by the chewing gum companies and I hesitate to promote it. However, I did find one source that is worth passing along. It speaks of chewing miswak sticks and I’ve read similar information on licorice root and juniper for those who want a very natural oral hygiene.
Looking over the research and thinking of my own family history, I have to side with most of it. My 93 year old grandmother sports a lovely smile while my other relatives who suffered heart issues, really didn’t or if they did, suffice it to say, they were “store bought”. I haven’t taken to chewing miswak sticks but I have placed floss in several places along my path so that I can’t avoid it and I keep an extra toothbrush at the office.
Agrigirl's Blog 
Tammy
/ June 27, 2011I had a rough time with this post for some reason. I apologize if the page was not found or the comments were closed. I think both have been remedied.
By synchronicity, I have a dental appt. today that I was unaware of when writing this.
I’d also like to give kudos to Dentist J. Michael Allen, one of my inspirations for this post. Dr. Allen directs the Osceola County dental clinic in Florida that he helped form. Allen also volunteers in an Orlando homeless dental clinic. “Lack of money is the main culprit behind poor dental care”, Allen says.
calvinhamilton
/ June 27, 2011It’s all working now!
E. Baron
/ June 27, 2011Also by synchronicity, my little dog (Westie) is having her teeth cleaned today. Unfortunately, hers wouldn’t have looked as lovely as the ones in the photo: She had to have two removed. I simply must do a better job with her brushing!
It’s hard for me to go along with the chewing gum idea, but I have read that certain herbs support dental health, as does ingesting healthy bacteria in raw milk and kefir. So much to learn!
Eleanor
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011E-
I’ve had issues with my Westie’s teeth also and one of mine had to have an extraction in the last few months. I spoke with the dental staff yesterday about the gum chewing (which I have never done because I don’t really like it) and they said that as far as they were aware, the only gum that could really make a claim was xylitol. Here’s a snip from their site:
Because the bacteria in the mouth that are causing cavities are unable to digest xylitol, their growth is greatly reduced. The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%. No acid is formed because the pH of saliva and plaque does not fall. After taking xylitol, the bacteria do not stick well on the surface of the teeth and as a result, the amount of plaque decreases.
nrhatch
/ June 27, 2011Hope you have a good visit at the dentist. I love our dentist and his Dental Spa. Aah . . .
I also love getting my teeth cleaned. 😀
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Dental spa might have a better chance of getting me their more often.
Melissa
/ June 27, 2011I believe staying well hydrated also promotes gum health.
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Good catch. Apparently the bacteria thrives in a dry environment so staying hydrated makes it less inviting. It’s also a reason not to drink alcohol excessively as our bodies have to use the hydration to process the alcohol rather than maintaining gum health.
herbanlifestyle
/ June 27, 2011Thanks for this important information! I’ve had the hardest time finding a dentist I like since I’ve moved here (I’ve been through 4 of them in 5 years). I just got a referral for one that a friend has been going to for 15 years, and I’m looking forward to trying him out. Thanks for the reminder to schedule a checkup!
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Good luck. I hope you do like him.
iDella
/ June 27, 2011If you’ve been unfortunate enough to get cavities, please keep the fillings maintained and current. A hole in the tooth is a direct pipeline for the plaque and toxins from decay to the heart, via the bloodstream. As one person mentioned, probiotics help cut back on the colonies of bad bacteria by stocking the body with the lactobacillus strains (among others). Kefir and yogurt (not the super sugary stuff but a better grade like greek yogurt) as well as buttermilk, miso and tofu are good nutritional sources. Don’t discount probiotic capsules. You can get a good grade of those at a store like Sunflower Market, Whole Foods or Sprouts (if you have any of those where you live). If not, Google it. Good deals can be had online!
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011I actually used to give probiotic straws to one of my kids and I’ve forgotten all about it.
Paula Tohline Calhoun
/ June 27, 2011Oooh! I love those teeth – mine should be so white! 😀
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Those are amazing, eh?
Hannah
/ June 27, 2011I wish my teeth were as white as that animals! Unfortunately, despite the fact that I brush, floss, visit the dentist twice a year, use mouthwash, my teeth are still weak. Stupid genes! I just keep doing all I can, though.
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011So, that weakness probably makes you more vigilant than others (a blessing in disguise).
Debbie
/ June 28, 2011I read this and cringe. Thank you though . . .it’s things I need to hear! I have no problem with brushing and flossing. . .but I haven’t had dental care in a very long time. eeekk!
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011It’s a good idea to go at least annually Debbie.
nancy at good food matters
/ June 28, 2011We spent a month in Ethiopia and found that chewsticks (called mefaka) were used widely–for sale on street corners of Addis, and in rural villages as well. they had a pleasant licorice-woody taste, and we liked them. I think studies have shown that the chewsticks have high anti-microbial properties.
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011A month? That’s cool. I have some of those licorice sticks but didn’t know what they were.
I Made You A Mixtape
/ June 28, 2011Very good tips. My dentist also told me to eat all sweets in one go- better for the teeth- not necessarily for your overall health… but for teeth it is better you eat all sugary stuff all at once and not little by little throughout the day….
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Yeah. Good call. My dentist says that too. Just sit down and eat all the candy and get it over with. Sugary drinks are the big culprit.
nursemyra
/ June 28, 2011According to a podcast I listened to once, you should brush your teeth in the morning before eating your breakfast. It’s actually more important to remove the bacteria that’s been flourishing in your mouth overnight than to brush afterwards. Though you should probably do both
Tammy
/ June 28, 2011Hmmm. I haven’t heard that but I can buy it and it’s easy for me to do as I hate that “morning breath”.
souldipper
/ June 28, 2011I’m in the throes of a rather lengthy relationship with my Dentist so we can retrain my jaw. Glory be! This is going to be fun!
The good news – my teeth are in pretty good shape and my gums are great. Glad to hear that.
Tammy
/ June 29, 2011Hope the jaw work goes well too Amy.
Tracy
/ June 29, 2011It’s funny that this all came together for me because the TOP thing that I find attractive in a man is his SMILE. By the way, that toothy photo totally made me SMILE. I grind my teeth at night, which is not good, but I don’t have a single cavity so maybe I’m grinding them away – LOL.
For anyone that has TMJ, google “Feldenkrais Exercises for the Jaw.” It worked for me!
Tammy
/ June 29, 2011Tracy, I’m totally going to look into this and see what feldenkrais for the jaw is. I think I have this issue.
Lara
/ June 29, 2011Nice post Tammy! About 4 months ago I was diagnosed with early periodontal disease. If caught early, it’s very treatable. And it’s not always a sign of poor dental hygiene. Women can suffer from it more than men due to hormonal changes and stress also can be a factor. So if you do happen to get diagnosed with the disease, there are things you can do to counteract the effects like using a prescription mouthwash, a special toothbrush with super-fine bristles that sweep food particle from below the gum-line, cleaning every 3 months rather than 6, and of course regular dental hygiene practices. With early detection and a diligent course of action to counteract periodontal disease, one can probably keep their teeth well into their 90’s.
Tammy
/ June 29, 2011Good to see you Lara. I have also had my battles with this early-stage, stress-induced disease. It can be managed but you can’t let up.
mypajamadays
/ June 29, 2011Such a great reminder! I have tried to explain to my husband how important it is for him to take better care of his teeth. I’ve quit asking, and now just schedule his dentist appointments for him and tell him when and where he is supposed to go. Did you know that gum disease is also linked with premature births? The bacteria in our mouths might be one reason why some women go into early labor. I have always had gum problems even though I do everything on your list, and I had TWO early babies.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Interesting. I think I did read that it could lead to premature births and pregnancy itself is one of the conditions that is hard on the mouth.
Artswebshow
/ June 30, 2011I heard about that before from somewhere.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Well, take it to heart so to speak.
Rukmini Roy
/ June 30, 2011Hmm! that reminds me 10th of July is when I visit my dentist again! ( i really like her) Great post. As always.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Good for you Rukmini. It’s good that you’ve found someone you like prowling around in your mouth.
shrinkingthecamel
/ June 30, 2011Check. Check. Check. Check.
I always think of that movie with Meg Ryan, where she switches bodies with an 80-year old man (I can’t think of the name of it), and at the end he gives his advice for what he would have done differently in life.. and it comes down to this:
“I would have flossed more.”
That always stuck with me. And I did floss more often.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011hmmm. That sounds vaguely familiar. And he probably said something about sunscreen too. Maybe fodder for another post?
Kath (My Funny Little Life)
/ June 30, 2011Very interesting, Tammy! I had no idea that insufficient oral health was related to stroke! Thank you for educating me! (I really love how much I learn from your blog! :D)
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Thanks Kath. I assure you – it’s mutual.
Kath (My Funny Little Life)
/ July 1, 2011😀
Merliza
/ June 30, 2011I did replaced my toothbrush every one month.. and it’s obvious.. that they getting better my teeth 🙂
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Yes, toothbrush maintenance is another great habit.
Emily
/ June 30, 2011I just have to add how awesome that picture is. Hilarious!
Ps when it come to sustainable products and our teeth, I can personally recommend Preserve’s toothbrush recycle program (no don’t work for them or get paid/free stuff from them).
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011I haven’t heard of it but will google it now.
Renee
/ June 30, 2011Tammy, do you know if there are herbs that we can grow in our gardens that are good for oral health? Maybe mint? Parsley? I like to grow herbs, but have never looked into the oral health connection.
Tammy
/ June 30, 2011Renee,
Check out this article: http://www.1sthealthsource.com/articles/teeth/teeth.html
Basil, dill and peppermint are all said to be beneficial also.
Renee
/ July 1, 2011Thanks, Tammy!
Tammy
/ July 1, 2011You’re welcome!
Giiid
/ July 1, 2011🙂 Such a sweet and funny photo, and interesting subjects and comments.
Tammy
/ July 1, 2011Thank you Giild.
hemp
/ July 1, 2011Having periodontal gum disease roughly doubles the risk that a person also will suffer coronary artery disease.1 What s the connection?One theory is that bacteria in the mouth migrate into the blood stream.1 There they may attach to fatty plaques in the blood vessels of the heart and help form clots.1 When these clots block blood flow to the heart a heart attack can happen.1 Another theory is that the inflammation caused by gum disease promotes plaque formation in the blood vessels.1 There also could be some factor as yet unidentified that predisposes people with gum disease to have a heart attack.Gum disease also can make existing heart conditions worse.1 2 For example oral infections such as gum disease put people with mitral valve prolapse at risk for infective endocarditis.3 This is an inflammation of the heart lining and valves.3 People at risk for such heart problems should be especially careful to prevent and or treat gum disease.3 In addition their dentists may advise them to prevent a heart infection by taking antibiotics before certain procedures.1But the connection also goes the other way with heart disease treatment contributing to gum disease. Accessed 2010………………………..Publication Source ……Vitality magazine…………………….Online Source ……American Stroke Association …………………Online Editor ……Sims Jane…………………Online Medical Reviewer ……Eakle Stephan W. DDS……………….Date Last Reviewed ….1 5 2011…………Date Last Modified ….1 5 2011………………The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group………
Tammy
/ July 1, 2011Good find.
OysterCulture
/ July 2, 2011I agree with the dental floss, at last count I think we have 12 boxes of floss around our 2 bedroom apartment, ever since my husband was threatened with a deep clean he’s been a flossing fanatic, and now its regular. On my side, I’ve never had a cavity or problems, knock on wood, and I try not to take it for granted. I think the secret is to make dental hygiene as simple and easy as possible, and not something that people have to think about.
Tammy
/ July 2, 2011You hit it on the head -make it as simple as possible.
Rosa May
/ July 5, 2011LOL! I wish I could go to the dentist. Unfortunately, the costs are so high here in Switzerland and the medical insurances do not cover dental care… :-(((
Cheers,
Rosa
Tammy
/ July 5, 2011Maybe you can date one?
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife
/ July 5, 2011I do not like flossing one bit. The thought of stuff flying from my mouth into my home makes me cringe. I might have to look into those miswak sticks! Great post!
Tammy
/ July 5, 2011That’s a quirk that I haven’t heard of before. Dr. Allen, the inspiration for the post, believes that you can also do wonders with a regular old toothpick.
Tiffany Anderson
/ July 5, 2011Wow! I shared this with Ken because we’ve gone round and round about dental hygiene. I’m supposedly the extremist by brushing twice a day and trying to floss daily. Because he is so loved, I wanted him to understand the real science behind this, and you put it so well!
I’ve heard that the electric brushes, while not a replacement for flossing, is a great addition to saving our gums. Either way, I’ll be getting my daily dose of flossing in today. Thanks again, Tammy!!
Tammy
/ July 5, 2011Yes, Tiffany. Electric toothbrushes and water pics are both really helpful tools.
isathreadsoflife
/ July 5, 2011I am rather lucky, just a yearly control/cleaning, my teeth are OK. My dentist always jokes about it and says “if all my clients´ teeth were like yours, I would be ruined !” I take care of them though, brushing twice a day, flossing, not much sugar. Thanks Tammy. Very interesting post.
Tammy
/ July 5, 2011My dentist says the same and I sure hope that I can keep them like that.
Naomi Estment
/ July 5, 2011OMG, thanks for this interesting info, Tammy. I’m right with you on the flossing!
Tammy
/ July 5, 2011It works.
Christina M
/ July 11, 2011I love that picture! I almost laughed out loud, it’s so cute.
Tammy
/ July 11, 2011And I took it myself!
b r
/ July 25, 2011I’m always worried about my teeth. I’ve been trying to cut back on artificial sugars, but it’s hard. Thanks for the link to the “Ditching Bathroom Chemicals” blog entry 🙂
-b
Tammy
/ July 25, 2011It is hard and it’s got to become a lifestyle. Glad you found the blog useful.
Habiba Younis
/ August 3, 2011quite informative!
Tammy
/ August 4, 2011Thank you.