The Asset of your teeth
We know the importance of watching what we eat and exercising regularly. But how many of us know the importance of flossing daily or brushing at least twice a day? Taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of your daily health care regimen.
Did you know:
- At birth, a baby has formed twenty teeth, which will begin showing up around 6 months of age. To help protect against cavities in infants, expectant mothers should make sure to take vitamin B-6 supplements and get plenty of Vitamin D.
- Twenty percent of all 3-year olds have tooth decay, which can flourish in the mouth as early as age one.
- Tooth decay is the number one chronic illness among children.
- Fifty-one million school hours will be lost this year due to dental problems.
- If a child’s tooth decay goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, eating problems, difficulty in sleeping and paying attention in school, speech problems, and loss of self-esteem.
- Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to heart disease, strokes, and respiratory disease in medical studies- and 80 percent of Americans have it.
- The bacteria present in gum disease may trigger blood clots, which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
- Women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have a baby born too early or too small.
- Gum disease may worsen osteoporosis.
- Studies have indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) may play just as big a role in your heart health as cholesterol. The higher your CRP level, the greater your risk of developing heart disease. Do you know one of the culprits that raise CRP levels? GUM DISEASE (www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467901)
- Tooth loss puts you at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease; Medical studies have found adults who have lost five or more teeth consume easier –to-chew foods with more cholesterol and saturated fat.
- Oral cancer occurs most often in those 40 and older. Early detection is critical; when detected late, the five-year survival rate is only 50 percent.
- Oral cancer among women has doubled over the past 45 years, likely due to an increase in smokingSource: Chicago Dental Society Review