I know that this statement sounds too simple to be true but keep an open mind and let’s see if this assertion is has any validity. Up to now everyone usually talks about lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and medication as the major strategies for controlling and preventing hypertension. But now it appears that there is a real possibility that something as simple as brushing your teeth could help mitigate this common ailment.

Hold on to your seat, I’m going to throw a rather big word at you, atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the gradual hardening or stiffening of the arteries that carry blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet and alcohol consumption are some of the factors associated with the onset of atherosclerosis. In some cases, it may also occur naturally as part of the aging process. The presence of atherosclerosis can obstruct the flow of blood which can lead to strokes, heart attacks and other coronary conditions.

The mouth is home to thousands of bacteria and these bacteria may infiltrate the arteries found in the gum. The arteries in the mouth are connected to the arteries in the neck which of course are connected to the heart. Why is this important? In the past decade or so, researchers have found significant correlation between the level of bacteria in the mouth and the level of atherosclerosis in the arteries found in the neck. This suggests that poor dental hygiene could very well elevate the potential for developing atherosclerosis in the network of arteries around the neck and as a consequence create conditions for other coronary problems.

Throughout my years I’ve heard about different recommendations with respect to dental hygiene from brushing once in the morning to brushing after every meal. However, it appears that based on recent findings you should definitely brush your teeth at least twice a day and if possible after every meal. It is also recommended that you floss after every meal, but if this is inconvenient you must definitely floss before bedtime. Evidently, when you are asleep the bacteria in your mouth do the most damage so every effort must be exerted to protect your health and wellbeing; brush, floss and rinse with a good mouth wash before retiring at night. This routine will certainly keep the level of bacteria in your mouth low and hopefully decrease the probability of developing atherosclerosis.

Your mouth is very close to the heart and now we know that many plaque causing bacteria enter the system via the mouth. What we do can most certainly attenuate any potential for damage these parasitic creatures may cause. Some dental hygiene products have been found to be highly effective in keeping the level of mouth bacteria at bay. Let’s join in the fight and help to minimize the probability of developing coronary problems like stroke and hypertension, brush, floss and rinse as a matter of cause throughout the day and before retiring at night.