Gum Disease Linked to Cardiovascular Disease and StrokesCavities are no fun, but other than the fact that they can lead to dentures at an earlier age, they do not seem to affect longevity. The oral condition that really seems to adversely affect longevity is the presence of gum disease (gingivitis) which destroys jaw bone (periodontal disease). These dental diseases are linked to increased rates of cardiovascular disease and strokes, as well as an increase in mortality from other causes, such as infections. More specifically, the bacterial that cause periodontal disease are believed to trigger an immune response that can cause inflammation of the arteries.
In his book, “The Real Age Makeover”, Dr. Michael Roizen explains how studies show that the presence of periodontal disease actually affects longevity. One of the best studies was performed at Emory University in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It showed that people with gingivitis and periodontitis have a mortality rate 23 to 46 percent higher than those who don’t.
You should brush and floss your teeth daily and see a dentist every six months, or more frequently if needed, to avoid periodontal disease. Many folks, including me, find flossing daily to be a major pain in the derriere. A great new tool to help you fly through flossing quicker and arguably more effectively is the Philips Sonicare AirFloss. Using pressurized air and microdroplets, it bursts mouthwash or water to remove plaque and disrupt the future development of plaque between teeth. It’s pretty cool, you simply place the tip between teeth and press its trigger button. A burst shoots between the teeth, then you move on to the next.
