This study asked the question “How many times a day do you brush your teeth?”   People who reported that they brushed less than once a day had a 41% increase in heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day—-after adjustment for established risk factors.

The authors of the study,  Professor Richard Watt,  C. de Oliveira, and M. Hammer, noted that is known that  inflammation in the mouth and the gums plays an important role in the buildup of  plaque in the arteries to the heart. 

This  means that your toothbrush might just carry the key to keeping your heart and your teeth healthy!

Have a wonderful day and take care of your heart with your toothbrush,

Dr. Mark Waltzer

If you choose to invest in an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Your dentist might suggest a model with a rotating-oscillating head. Other specific features — such as adjustable power levels, timers and rechargeable batteries — are up to you.

Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.

There are many people who are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Diabetes can have an effect on your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart as well as other parts of the body. Diabetes also has a major effect on your oral health if your blood sugar levels are not managed well. I’d like to point out the oral health problems that diabetics face as well as tips for proper dental care for people with diabetes.

Tooth decay– Decay in the teeth is caused by bacteria. The bacteria feeds on sugar and produces waste in the form of acid. This waste is what demineralizes, (eats away at the hard outer layer of the tooth called enamel), causing decay. If there is an increased level of glucose in the saliva due to diabetes not being managed properly and/or through consuming foods and beverages that contain sugars, the bacteria will thrive, increasing the risk of decay developing in the teeth.

Gum disease– Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis is one of the many periodontal diseases that affect the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. If left untreated, Gingivitis can lead to more serious diseases that can cause tooth and bone loss.

Dry mouth – Dry mouth is often a symptom of diabetes that has been undetected or untreated. When there is not enough moisture in the mouth, the oral tissues begin to dry out which can lead to soreness, ulcers, increased plaque production, increased tooth decay, and infections.

Infection – Because diabetes causes the blood vessels to thicken, interfering with blood flow, diabetics often have a hard time fighting infection. Infections can develop anywhere in the body, including the mouth. This is why it is very important for diabetics to take care of their oral health by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.

Taste impairment – Because diabetics can sometimes lose their taste for sweets and sugars, they tend to consume foods with higher levels of sugar or consume sugary foods more frequently than they would otherwise. This can lead to increased problems with their oral health as well as overall health.

The teeth should be brushed at least 3 times a day, after every meal. If you are not able to brush your teeth after consuming foods or beverages, it is important to at least thoroughly rinse the mouth with water, making sure to brush the teeth as soon as possible. A soft bristled toothbrush should be used. Brushing your teeth before bedtime and flossing are very important. It is recommended to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Floss each time you brush your teeth or consume food. By brushing and flossing at least 3 times a day, you reduce the risk of plaque build-up and tarter developing which can lead to tooth decay, as well as keep your gums healthy, reducing the risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease developing.

Visit the dentist at least every 6 months for a professional exam and tooth cleaning. For some diabetics, it is recommended that you visit the dentist every 3-4 months.

Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet is vital to maintaining sugar levels and managing the disease.

If you wear dentures or partials, it is very important to keep the appliances clean. It is also important to make sure the denture(s) or partial(s) fit properly. If they do not fit properly, irritation, sores, and ulcers can develop on the gum tissue. Infections can also develop.

It is very important for diabetics to maintain good oral hygiene habits as well as properly manage their glucose levels. Increased sugar levels in the saliva can lead to increased levels of tooth decay, gum disease.

Stay healthy, visit your dentist for a check-up regularly and have a smilin’ good day!

Dr. Waltzer

The answer is a resounding yes!  According to a study done by the American Dental Association, Proctor & Gamble, and Oral-B, of all the physical features including hair, eyes, and body— it’s the smile that outranks in importance.

The same study found that men did not maintain their smiles as well as  women:  Men brush twice daily only 56% of the time compared to women who brush twice daily 66% of the time.  And men only replace their toothbrushes every five months—compared to women who replace them according to the recommended schedule of every 3-4 months.

Another interesting dental fact highlighted by this survey was that many Americans are neglecting their flossing duties—only 49% floss once or more per day. 

So have a smilin’ day and don’t neglect  your dental duties—get on the smile train by caring for your teeth every day. 

Dr. Mark Waltzer–Your South Jersey Dentist