Regular Dental Care Helps HeartA new study shows that older women who get regular dental care can help their hearts. ![]() The researchers reported that about one-third of women are less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who do not get regular care. The findings for men did not confirm a link. Each year, heart disease is at the top of the list of the country's most serious health problems. In fact, statistics show that cardiovascular disease is America's leading health problem and the leading cause of death. It is a myth that heart disease is a man's disease. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women (and men). These diseases currently claim the lives of half a million females every year. Study points to postmenopausal changesExperts caution that this latest study does not prove that dental care directly improves the heart health of women by lowering the risk of conditions like heart attack and stroke. The study researchers believe, however, that the findings are important. The study was published in the journal Health Economics. The researchers analyzed the medical records of nearly 7,000 people ages 44 to 88 who had participated in another study. The data from that study had been collected between 1996 and 2004. "We think the findings reflect differences in how men and women develop cardiovascular disease," says study co-author Stephen Brown, M.D., at West Virginia University. "Other studies suggest that estrogen has a protective effect against heart disease because it helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis,” says Dr. Brown. “It's not until women hit menopause, around age 50 to 55, that they start catching up with men." Dentist sees link with inflammationMaria Emanuel Ryan, D.D.S., at Stony Brook University in New York, says she has seen signs of a link between dental care and heart disease in her own practice. She notes that the study "confirms the findings of some of the studies conducted in the insurance industry, which suggest that the medical costs for cardiac care and diabetes are reduced in patients who have regular dental visits." There does appear to be a connection between gum disease, in particular, and heart disease. Research suggests that chronic inflammation causes heart disease, Dr. Ryan says, and gum disease "is the most common chronic inflammatory condition in the world." “Unfortunately, periodontitis - or gum disease - is often a silent disease that goes undetected and untreated," she says. Always talk with your doctor to find out more information. Online Resources(Our Organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) Academy of General Dentistry – Making the Most of Your Dental Visit UC Berkeley News - Women who get dental care have lower risk of heart disease, says study |
December 2010Staying Healthy on All FrontsThe National Women's Health Information Center offers the following 10 things you can do to help live longer, live better, and live happier: 1. Be informed. Learn about health promotion and disease prevention and ask your doctor for specific information regarding your needs. 2. Be good to your bones. For healthy bones, be sure to replenish your stock of calcium every day with plenty of foods such as milk and dairy products, tofu, leafy, green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium-fortified juices or breads. Speak with your doctor about calcium supplements. 3. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one glass. And, where illicit drugs are concerned, there is no such thing as "moderate" use. 4. Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully, and remind your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medication. If you have any questions about possible side effects, call your doctor or pharmacist. 5. Play it safe. Avoid injuries. Buckle up. Wear a bike helmet. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wear sunscreen and UV protected sunglasses. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex. 6. Get checked. Get regular checkups, preventive examinations, and immunizations. Don't forget self-examinations. 7. Don’t smoke. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in our country. 8. Eat smart. It is the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, balance foods from each food group, and exercise moderation. 9. Get moving. The other secret to good health: Just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can radically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally. 10. Be happy. Take time for yourself. Get connected with family, friends, and community. Do things you enjoy! Always talk with your doctor to find out more information. |