8 Benefits of Brushing- (That have NOTHING to do with your TEETH!)

Eight Benefits of Tooth Brushing- That have Nothing to do with your Teeth!

We are all aware that brushing your teeth on a regular basis prevents cavities and keeps you smiling.  But there are many other surprising benefits, including these eight that don't have to do with your teeth!

1. According to a study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Participants who did not brush on a regular basis had a 65 percent greater chance of developing dementia compared to those who did brush.  So don't forget to brush!!
2. A study in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular brushing decreases the chance of stroke!  Wow- two very serious diseases can be curtailed with good oral hygiene.  And the list goes on.....
3. As any dentist, hygienist or physician can tell you, regular brushing (and flossing) helps to prevent gum disease.  But you may not know that along with causing stinky breath and unattractive smiles, gum disease is a major indicator of heart disease and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
4. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that increased brushing decreases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD.  Why?  Bacteria which form on the teeth make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract, wreaking havoc along the way.
5. Dental researcher Dr. Caitia Gazola has shown that having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of having healthy babies, while dental disease can cause underweight pre-term babies.
6. Prevention magazine has reported that regular brushing can help you maintain a healthy weight! Why? Brushing your teeth indicates to your brain that mealtime is over.  Plus- food just doesn't taste as good with squeaky clean teeth!
7. Several studies have shown that men with poor oral hygiene are at grater risk for erectile dysfunction.
8. Have a heart- a healthy one that is!  The American Journal of Medicine has linked dental health with heart attack risk.

So if clean teeth, fresh breath, a beautiful smile and fewer cavities aren't enough, here are eight reasons why brushing your teeth on a regular basis can save your life!  Plus let's face it- going around with a big piece of tomato stuck between your chompers is not the most attractive look in the world!

Just as important as brushing your teeth is doing it correctly.  And if you are not getting regular dental cleanings, your efforts aren't nearly as effective.

At Dr. Baicy's office, we care about your dental health and your medical health too!!!  If you have any questions or need to make an appointment please call us at 804-288-8200 or online at www.BaicyDental.com.  We are here to help you!!!

Spit Won't Quit

Spit Won't Quit!!!

No one likes to get their blood taken-- it's just NOT Fun!!! But it's the only way that we can be tested for diabetes, anemia, cholesterol levels, and many other important health issues.  Well, that may soon be changing!!!

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are saying there may now be a much easier way to detect illness- SPIT!

YES- good old saliva contains DNA, enzymes, hormones, proteins, and lots of other good stuff that are making it a great candidate for medical testing.  And best of all, it's simple and painless to collect.

Recently trials have been done with saliva to test for heart disease risk, HIV, hormone-related diseases, and even children's performance in school.

It's tough to even compare the ease of spitting in a cup versus having a needle poked into your vein.  As Dr. Steven Hirschfeld of The National Institutes of Health said, "We like tests that are fast, inexpensive, and can be repeated multiple times."

Saliva already has lots of jobs.  It softens food as you chew it, making that grilled cheese sandwich much easier to swallow.  It helps your tongue to taste things, is the first step in digestion, and it cleans the inside of your mouth and rinses your teeth.  Most people produce one to two liters of saliva every day!!

If you feel like your mouth is always dry, be sure to let us know.  It could be caused by medications, aging, or possibly a serious medical condition.  And get prepared for the day when instead of someone saying "please roll up your sleeve for a blood test," they simply ask you to spit in a cup!

If you have questions about dry mouth or any other dental issues, please remember that at Baicy Dental we are here for you!  Please give us a call at 804-288-8200.

We're looking forward to seeing you soon!