This study shows that having any gum disease doubles the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, with a higher risk the more the gums are diseased. But even mild gum disease (which most people have) increases the risk 1.8 times.
The study also shows that regular visits to the dentist (more than once a year) reduces the risk of stroke.
It would seem that the three things AF sufferers should do to help prevent a stroke are:
1, Take an anticogulant
2. Floss their teeth at least once a day
3. Have a 6 monthly dental check up and hygienist visit.
Written by
MarkS
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The problem in UK Mark is that NHS dentistry is not geared up for dental hygiene. When I moved to an area with no NHS dentists and had to go privately he told me how bad my gums were and put me on three monthly hygiene visits. The trouble is once it has got a hold anything else is only ever about putting off the evil day you will start to lose your teeth.
Very useful information, Mark. When my excellent NHS dentist retired and another took over the practice, our dog was getting better dental care than I was.
In digust at the woeful ‘care’, I joined a private dental plan and now have a good dentist again and proper forward-looking diagnostic care.
Dental health and heart health are so tied together! It has long been understood gum disease and poor dental hygiene can disrupt heart health. Careful brushing and flossing is an easy and inexpensive way to make a positive impact on your overall health.
I would buy 'Natural floss' as I read the standard stuff has something applied to it to make it glide which compromises one of our organs (forgot which one).
Interdental brushes best floss for simplicity and time taken, so are my choice and my dentist s. You probably need more than on size. I mention this as I find flossing properly a pain so I often missed bothering. Teepee brushes are one brand. Very easy.
I also use interdental brushes for my front teeth but I can't get to the back ones. I use the Glide Floss picks for my back teeth which I can then get to easily. I don't throw them away after each use but reuse for up to a week.
I had known that mouthwash isn't effective at reducing gum disease but not that it could increase strokes. The mechanism given makes sense. Beneficial bacteria at the back of the tongue that help generate artery expanding nitric oxide are killed by the mouthwash, whereas the bacteria that cause gum disease (and heart disease and potentially dementia) are left untouched.
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