Did you know these fun September facts?????
On This Date in History:
September 2, 31 B.C. – Roman legions under Augustus Caesar defeated Mark Anthony’s naval force at Actium.
September 4, 1682 – English astronomer Edmund Halley discovered the comet now named after him.
September 24, 1789 – The US Supreme Court was established.
September 29, 1829 – Britain’s “bobbies” made their first public appearance. Greater London’s Metropolitan Police force was established by an act of Parliament at the request of Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, after whom they were nicknamed. The force later became known as Scotland Yard, the site of their first headquarters.
September 30, 1960- The Flintstones debuted on ABC during primetime.
Oral Systemic Link
Do you check your email every day? Are you keeping up to date with social media? Then why not brush and floss your teeth every day? Taking care of your mouth is just as important as taking your prescribed medications. If you didn’t take your blood pressure medication or monitor your diabetes, aren’t there serious consequences? The same goes for your oral health. If you are not brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist routinely you are compromising your overall health.
Your mouth is a gateway to what goes on in the rest of your body. Research shows that infection and bacteria in the mouth is linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic diseases.
When oral bacteria enters your bloodstream it travels through vessels and arteries causing clot formation. This can prevent nutrients and oxygen from circulating properly and helps to contribute to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks. Individuals with Periodontal Disease (advanced gum disease) have an increased risk to cardiovascular diseases. Not only does oral bacteria affect your heart, but the same clot that can cause a heart attack can happen close to your brain, leading to a stroke. When a person suffers from a stroke, it can result in the inability to perform everyday functions and daily activities such as eating, talking, and walking.
Are you finding it hard to regulate your blood sugar? If you have not been to see your dentist recently your gum tissues may be contributing to this. Severe Periodontal Disease can increase your blood sugar. When you are a diabetic your body has a harder time trying to fight off the bacteria in your oral cavity and causes slower healing. Our office offers a free blood sugar check at every continuing care (cleaning) appointment, so you know what your blood sugar is at that time. This will help you to know whether you need to speak to your physician or reassure you that your glucose is controlled.
Dry Mouth
If you are taking medications you may have noticed that your mouth is much dryer. This is a common side effect of prescriptions and is called xerostomia. Not only does prescribed medications cause this but radiation and other autoimmune disorders can as well. It can alter your taste, make swallowing and speaking more difficult, and even contribute to tooth decay. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then we have some helpful tips to alleviate the complications of dry mouth. First, we recommend Biotene rinse. It has been proven to help aid in salivary flow. Secondly, chewing sugar-free gum. Always look at the package to make sure it includes Xylitol. Xylitol is found in fruit and vegetable fibers and is a natural sweetener. One reason it is used is that it can help prevent tooth decay. Xylitol can help keep a neutral pH level in your mouth and prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. However, do not allow your dogs or cats to get it, because it is extremely toxic to them!
As always, if you have any questions please give our office a call! We are here to help and would love to hear from you! At Cottage Dental Care, Complete Health Dentistry, you will always “be treated like family.”
