Halloween Article

Halloween is Saturday and that means candy, candy, candy. I have fond memories of chocolate, caramel apples, popcorn balls and candy corn.
As an adult I indulge in a few of these treats this time of year – for nostalgia, if nothing else. Only now I limit the amounts and make sure I brush and floss my teeth after eating sweets.
We all know why we brush and floss: to prevent cavities and bad breath. But did you know there is a connection between bad oral health and heart disease, diabetes, dementia and autoimmune diseases?
One possible reason is that inflammation from periodontal disease (swollen, red or tender gums around teeth) increases inflammation throughout your body, which increases the risk of other illnesses.
If you have gum disease, you may be twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease. Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be up to seven times more likely to have a premature, underweight baby.
Diabetics often develop periodontal disease, which can increase blood sugar levels and complications.
There is much more to be learned about how dental health and these illnesses are connected, but if doing something as simple as brushing and flossing your teeth could keep you healthier, why not make a point to do so?
Of course, having pearly whites looks nice, too.
A friend of mine who is a dentist carries her toothpaste and toothbrush everywhere. I cannot quite make that commitment, but I did get into the habit of carrying sugar-free gum containing xylitol when I was in school. Chewing this kind of gum after meals has been shown to reduce the risk of dental decay.
Inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases may start in childhood. Children get into the habit of brushing their teeth if you start as soon as they have teeth.
Dr. Alisa Hideg