Most of us realize that gum disease, also known as the pathogen Porphyromonasgingivalis, can lead to tooth loss. But a study published recently in PLOS Pathogens reached another startling conclusion: the same pathogen that causes gum disease and tooth loss can also greatly increase your chances of developing atherosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

The Porphyromonasgingivalis pathogen has the ability to evade the immune system. Ultimately, in people with chronic gum disease, this can lead to inflammation of not only gum tissue, but other areas of the body as well.

For several years, researchers have questioned whether gum disease is somehow connected to atherosclerosis. Although the jury has been out for quite some time, this latest study seems to confirm that fact. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing gum disease:

• •Brush your teeth at least twice each and every day, and floss at least once a day.
• •Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day.
• •Have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, and ask your dentist or hygienist to check for signs of gum disease. Checking for gum disease should be done every 1 ½ to 3 years.
• •Eat a healthy diet.
• •Don’t smoke, since smoking can cause inflammation of the gums.

By following these simple steps on a daily basis, you could do much more than save your teeth – you just may avoid atherosclerosis as well.

Sources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/279487.php

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/gums-problems-gingivitis

While it’s true that baby teeth don’t last forever, that doesn’t mean that they’re not important. In fact, healthy baby teeth play a major role in having a healthy set of adult teeth. And without strong baby teeth, your little one will have a hard time eating properly and even learning to talk!

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help your child’s dental health, even before his or her first teeth begin to appear.

• • Using a clean, damp washcloth, gently wipe your baby’s gums to remove any bacteria. You should do this at least twice a day, and it’s particularly important to do it after feeding and before your little one goes to sleep at night.

• • Once your baby’s teeth begin to appear, use a wet, small toothbrush with very soft bristles to brush your infant’s teeth much as you would your own – except much more gently, of course. There’s no need to use any kind of toothpaste until your child is at least a year old. When you do begin to use a small amount of toothpaste, make sure it does not contain fluoride. Most experts agree that fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children under the age of 2.

You should continue to care for your child’s teeth for this way until he or she can do it alone. Make sure to take your child in for regular dental checkups beginning at a very early age, usually around 1 year old. Not only will this ensure that your child has healthy teeth, it will also give your toddler the opportunity to become accustomed to dental visits and establish good dental care habits for a lifetime.

Resource: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/caring-babies-teeth

Most of us know the basic steps involved in good oral hygiene, including thoroughly brushing and flossing at least twice a day, having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year or more, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. But there’s another important step to remember – the proper care and storage of your toothbrush.

It may not be particularly pleasant to think about, but there are literally hundreds and hundreds of microorganisms that live in your mouth. That means that a lot of those are transferred to your toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. Even worse, since toothbrushes are stored in bathrooms, they’re exposed to gastrointestinal microorganisms as well. All of which is ample reason to take the following steps in making sure your toothbrush is cleaned and stored properly:

• • Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use, making sure that all toothpaste and food particles are removed.
• • Soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria.
• • Store your toothbrush upright. Avoid using a closed container since this encourages the growth of microorganisms.
• • Make sure that all toothbrushes in a bathroom are stored separately to avoid cross-contamination.
• • Replace toothbrushes whenever they begin to show wear, or every three to four months.

You might also consider rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash before brushing your teeth. This will eliminate some of the microorganisms in your mouth before you begin brushing, which will also reduce the amount of bacteria transferred to your toothbrush.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140506094439.htm