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Flossing in Relation to Your Heart Health

Flossing is great for your teeth, but did you know that it can do good for more than just your mouth? Studies have shown a correlation between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease. According to a study by the American Academy of Periodontology, those who have periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. While the evidence isn’t conclusive, it’s been enough to prompt researchers to look into this phenomenon more closely.

Some findings have shown that people who have higher blood levels of certain kinds of bacteria in the mouth are more likely to have atherosclerosis in the carotid artery in the neck. This condition often can lead to stroke. Atherosclerosis is when the arteries harden and deposits of fats and other substances in the blood stick to the sides of the arteries. If these deposits get so severe as to totally impede blood flow, you could have a heart attack or stroke.

These deposits traveling and building up in the arteries are also called plaque, but this plaque is not the same thing as the plaque on your teeth. The relationship between gingivitis and the hardening of arteries could be due to a few different things. Bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream via the gums. This same type of bacteria is found in artery plaques. Bacteria from the mouth may fix to the deposits in the bloodstream and become part of, and help to cause, blockages. Another possibility is that the body’s natural reaction to bacteria or infections is to initiate inflammation or swelling. As oral bacteria travel through the body, the bacteria could be causing swelling of the blood cells and then narrowing the arteries, increasing the risk of clots.

While the exact nature of the relationship is unknown, there is a connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent the bacteria that results from poor oral hygiene and causes periodontal disease, it is important to be brushing and flossing regularly. Good oral hygiene is the most effective way to remove the hard-to-reach plaque that eventually causes bacteria.

The Effects of Smiling

Did you know that smiling is beneficial to your overall health. Smiling makes the body produce T-cells (white blood cells) and antibodies in  larger quantities. This means your immune system’s efficiency increases. High blood pressure can also be reduced by cracking a smile more often. Research has suggested that those who smile more often have a longer life expectancy of nearly an entire decade. If you go beyond a smile and start to laugh, you can burn calories, tighten your abs, and condition your heart as well.

Even when you don’t feel like smiling, faking it can turn your mood around by releasing endorphins, which are the hormones that make you feel happy. Smiling also reduces stress by releasing serotonin. If you’re having a bad day, try making yourself smile! It will often turn from a forced smile into a real one.

Infants are born with the natural phenomenon of being able to smile! They may not smile in a reaction to outside stimulus until they’re between four and six weeks of age, but they can smile as soon as two hours after being born. Humans are hardwired to smile as a way of showing pleasure and love. Babies will smile in their sleep from birth.

Smiling can also increase your success. When you smile consistently, studies have shown that people will assume you are doing well. Research indicates that people who smile appear to be extra confident, capable, and they may be more likely to receive a promotion. When you smile, you will appear more approachable and self-assured as well, which is a great help in the workplace. This is why those in customer service are directed to smile. Interestingly, those who do smile, often show better results in their sales.

In some studies, subjects were more likely to select a person who was smiling as being attractive over a person who did not smile. In one study, most people surveyed said that women look younger and more beautiful when they are smiling. A confident smile will attract people to you.

Many people say they are less likely to smile when they don’t feel confident in their oral health. Remember to keep good care of your teeth and visit the dentist often—it does more than just help your teeth. It helps you to smile more, and with all these benefits, it’s something everyone should strive for.